Tara began her quest building rockets in 2008 as a Systems Engineer working on Space Launch System (SLS). Currently, she supports the Systems Engineering Integration and Test capability with component verification in Huntsville, AL. She has, also, supported the Avionics and Software team with verification of component requirements and constructing new specifications. An important part of her role is to ensure the suppliers who are developing the components understand the requirements and are able to verify how the requirements will be met (Verification) and also that the component operates as outlined in the requirements document (Validation). Prior to her adventures in space exploration, Tara designed control systems via writing rungs of ladder logic and developing Human Machine Interface (HMI) screens as a Controls Engineer at Arnold AFB, TN. This AFB in particular, is a simulation test facility operating 32 aerodynamic and propulsion wind tunnels, rocket and turbine engine test cells, space environmental chambers, arc heaters, ballistic ranges and other specialized units. Her task was to design the control system specific to the tests performed in a certain test cell. Tara obtained a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from The Alabama A&M University and a Master's of Science in Management (Acquisitions and Contracts Management) from Florida Institute of Technology. Shortly after graduating from AAMU, Tara was an Engineering intern with the Department of Energy in New Orleans, LA. traveling to various petroleum storage sites and analyzing power related issues with the relay system within the substations. In her spare time, Tara is the Chief Financial Officer of a 501c3 non profit organization handling payroll, contracts, pricing and facilities maintenance.