The Tribune

IN HIS catchy chorus - “We headin’ into space; we takin’ rake n’ scrape” - Bahamian musician KB imagines an outer space that comes alive once touched by the unique and colourful culture of the Bahamas. Such visions of galactic grandeur may not be as far fetched as once thought when the song first rang through the Bahamian radio airwaves. Today, one young woman with Bahamian roots is making the dream one step closer to reality.

Aisha Bowe wakes up in Silicon Valley, home to many of the world’s largest technology corporations, to go about her daily routine as a researcher for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It is an envied position that many aspiring engineers would give anything to be in. Silicon Valley is the leading hub for high-tech innovation and development. There, Aisha conducts research, developing and examining separation assurance algorithms to measure and improve the robustness of common error sources such as aircraft speed and weight. She also investigates methods by which conflict-resolution trajectories can be optimized for fuel burn as an alternative to conventional time-based optimization approaches.

She has won several awards for her work, including: 2012 Recipient of NASA Honour Award for Equal Employment Opportunity; 2012 Recipient of 21st Century Trailblazers in Aerodynamics and Aviation Award, given by National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE); 2012 Recipient of the NSBE Outstanding Technical Contribution Award; and 2011 Recipient of NASA Ames Spotlight Award for Equal Opportunity and Diversity Excellence, given by NASA Ames Research Center. During one of the award ceremonies, the keynote address was given by former astronaut Col. Frederick D. Gregory (Ret.), and Aisha was encouraged to apply to become an astronaut when the next astronaut application process opens up.

This is a definitive goal on Aisha’s list, but she won’t be doing it alone: “I am passionate about encouraging students to achieve goals such as working at NASA and pursuing an education in the STEM fields.”

She encourages Bahamian students to have a love for the STEM fields of science, technology and mathematics to pursue them rigorously, as expertise in these fields can help to build the Bahamas. She will be visiting her the Bahamas in August, when a Bahamian intern at NASA, Terran Arnold, will also be returning. She intends to help to create many more opportunities for Bahamian students to be exposed to the rich world of science.

“Students should set ambitious goals and do everything in their power to achieve them,” said Aisha. “I think one of the most important advice for students is to be believe in themselves and be confident,” she said.

Aisha may have schooled in the United States of America all of her life, but her annual visits to the Bahamas during Christmas and summer breaks kept her grounded in Bahamian culture. When he heads home, she plans to meet and interact with Bahamian youth, after she satisfies her “jonsing” desire for hot patties and a fresh coconut tart. Family means a lot to Aisha, who proudly talks about her family’s farm in Andros - a far cry from the skyscrapers of Silicon Valley. Her father Glenroy Anthony Bowe descends from Andros and her mother Forester Bowe hails from Exuma. Her grandmother is deceased but her grandfather resides in Nassau along with her extended family.

Aisha expressed gratitude to her grandfather Forrester Bowe, who came up with personal funds to help make the first Bahamian student internship at NASA possible.

When Aisha heads to space, the spaceship and fellow astronauts will have to make room for some Junkanoo and rake n’ scrape in the CD player, and some vacuum sealed coconut tarts.