Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

In the Spotlight: Ricardo “Ricky” Gonzalez ’21

Ricky Gonzalez photo

It’s not every day you meet someone whose job is quite literally out of this world, but Ricardo “Ricky” Gonzalez ’21 is using his Lycoming College degree to help launch others to new heights. The physics major with a dual-minor in mathematics and astronomy is a Systems Engineer I with KBR Inc., working with NASA as an ISS Flight Controller Trainee at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Tex.

You are a first-generation college graduate, and you have said that you were inspired by human space exploration. How did that translate to your experiences as a first-generation student at Lycoming? 

As a first-generation college student, I was driven by my parents’ sacrifice, dedication, and hard work to provide myself and my siblings with a better life. I wanted to give back by earning a college degree and by building a successful career pursuing my passion for astronomy and space exploration. My experience at Lycoming was extremely challenging yet highly rewarding. My first two years were a great learning experience – I discovered which subjects I was proficient in, which needed improvement, what hobbies I was interested in, and what methods and routines worked best for me to navigate college.

Additionally, the faculty are highly supportive and genuinely want to help their students succeed. My advisors, Drs. Mike Smith and Andrew Brandon, and physics professor Dr. Christopher Kulp, supported me during the highs and lows throughout my academic career. Ultimately, my experience at Lycoming was not easy as a first-generation student; however, with my parents as my motivation, my passion for space, and the support from my professors, it helped me obtain my dream job at NASA supporting human space exploration!

You earned your master’s degree at Rice University in space studies (engineering track). How did your physics degree from Lycoming prepare you for your graduate studies?

The space studies program is non-thesis-based and focuses on practical experience over research. With three different tracks – engineering, science, and management – it allows students to tailor their degree to their desired career. In my case, I wanted to develop engineering skills and concepts for a career as a systems engineer at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Tex. The graduate-level courses at Rice University required various programming experience, engineering concepts, and high-level mathematics. Fortunately, my physics degree provided me with advanced-level mathematical concepts, strong problem-solving skills, and fundamental programming experience.

You work at NASA as an ISS Flight Controller Trainee. Tell us about your work and what project you are currently a part of.

I am training to receive my Flight Control Room certification as an Inventory & Stowage Officer (ISO) to support real-time operations aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The ISO flight control group manages and tracks U.S. cargo aboard ISS, but works with international and commercial partners on stowage management and cargo operations.

What is your favorite memory from your time on campus?

Orientation week is one of my favorite memories from Lycoming College. I was nervous and excited to begin a new chapter in my life. The week was full of various campus activities to help us feel comfortable, meet new people, and have fun! Orientation week felt like opening a door into a vast room of other doors to explore new opportunities, meet new people, and try new things. As a first-generation student, it felt much like a blank canvas. The possibilities of what I could do and achieve were endless.

What professional advice would you give fellow young Lycoming alumni?

Use the Time Management Matrix to prioritize the tasks you want to complete based on importance and urgency! Ask yourself, “Where would I like to be in five years?” Then, create a broad five-year plan for how you plan to get there (e.g., to become a doctor, you must pass the MCAT and attend medical school). Next, create a yearly plan for what goals you’d like to accomplish for the current year. Break it down into the following five categories: personal, professional, financial, relationship (can be anyone), and health (physical and/or mental).

In the Spotlight recognizes members of our alumni community who are doing great things that have been influenced by their time at Lycoming College. Alumni Spotlight submissions are used at the discretion of the College and may be included in the monthly eNews as space and time permit. To participate, submit an Alumni Spotlight questionnaire

  • Gonzalez presenting his master's degree project at Rice University

    Gonzalez presenting his master's degree project at Rice University

  • Gonzalez in front of the Aztec Pirámide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun) in Teotihuacán, Mexico

    Gonzalez in front of the Aztec Pirámide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun) in Teotihuacán, Mexico

  • Gonzalez enjoying a scenic view of several volcanos in El Salvador

    Gonzalez enjoying a scenic view of several volcanos in El Salvador