Gregg Buckingham

KSC University Programs Manager

Who I am and what I do

I work at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) as the University Programs Manager in the KSC Education Office. Basically, I serve as a liaison between colleges / universities and KSC. This office provides students with internships, fellowships and research grants. I enjoy this position very much. It gives me the chance to meet a variety of people on a daily basis from engineers to teachers, students and even some astronauts. The excitement that families and students express when they are introduced to Kennedy Space Center for the first time makes this work very rewarding.

My Career Journey

I graduated from Deland High School in 1975. After High School I went on to the University of Florida and received a Masters of Arts degree with a certificate in Public Administration. After college I went to Washington D.C. and started working at NASA Headquarters. After eight years at Headquarters I decided to come back to Florida and work for the Shuttle Logistics Program at the Kennedy Space Center. I became the KSC University Programs Manager in 1996. I truly enjoy every aspect of my job. I especially enjoy helping people achieve their goals.

Influences

The biggest influences in my life have been my parents and Dr. William Kelso at the University of Florida. My parents gave me the tools to get started. Thoughtful teachers and faculty such as Dr. Kelso helped me enhance those tools so that I could be successful. I am working on a doctorate degree in education. This degree will add to my skills in understanding and working with the academic community. I am in mid-career at NASA and hope to continue to develop exciting, meaningful education programs.