Brian Kovarik

Alumni  |  Straight To SCC From High School  |  Student  |  Transferred To Four-Year Institution

Brian Kovarik knew he wanted to become an engineer in high school, so he entered into the pre-engineering program at SCC right after graduation, and that’s where he discovered his passion for aerospace engineering.

“When I started at SCC, I thought I wanted to be a civil engineer,” Brian said. “As I was finishing up at my associate degree at SCC, I decided to switch gears and place an emphasis on aerospace engineering.”

Brian said he was thankful to have the opportunity to explore different areas of engineering at SCC before deciding what he wanted to make his main focus.

“I got a little taste of everything at SCC, and I don’t think I would have gotten that at another college,” he said. “I’m glad I wasn’t grouped in one specific area of engineering at the start of my education. I was able to explore my options.”

While at SCC, Brian was chosen as a NASA Aerospace Community College Scholar, which motivated him to work harder and achieve more.

He went on to attend the college of engineering at St. Louis University and participated in a co-op program with NASA. At NASA, Brian worked as an aerothermal engineer. He rotated working his co-op position and school in six-month increments.

After graduating with mechanical and aerospace engineering degrees, Brian took a full-time job at NASA in the commercial crew program office. “I work closely with our partners at ULA and SpaceX to get their launch vehicles certified and ready to fly our astronauts here in 2017,” he said. “I also support the new SLS vehicle that we’re designing to go beyond low-earth orbit, Mars and beyond.”

“SCC set a great foundation for me to be successful,” Brian said. “The teachers at SCC give students personalized attention and are willing to help. They really raise the bar on what they expect from their students. My sisters graduated from SCC as well before transferring to four-year universities.”

Last updated: Oct. 14, 2015