Cecil Shy is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University and is currently enrolled in a masters program. He was selected out of many applicants across the nation to participate in the Graduate Co-op for NASA in the robotic division part-time. Shy has had the opportunity to build water systems, software modeling, and mechanical structures.
His interest in engineering started at a young age, “One day my mom and dad bought me a toy truck, and I took it apart and started building all kinds of different structures with the pieces,” said Shy, ” But, what really caught my eye is when I went to the NASA Co-op tour in 2007, I saw the company building a Rover, it took me back to my toy car and I realized I found my dream job.”
Since then Shy has achieved and received many accolades. A few are; most outstanding student his freshman and sophomore years, and SWAC awarded him in track and cross-country. But his ultimate accomplishment is being president of CEO, which stands for Council of Engineering Organizations. This program was started by Shy to help unite engineers at Prairie View. The purpose is to help build more productive engineers, increase membership and provide tutoring. Shy said, “The council helps current students connect with management so they can voice their opinions through CEO and we transfer their concerns to the administration.” He has found a positive way to reach out and help students through his program.
Shy’s future plans entail completing his master’s degree, become a full-time employee for NASA, and for the Council of Engineering Organizations to continue to move forward. He said, “Most of all I would like to come back and continue to help Prairie View students and remain an example for future engineers.”