From Struggling Student to NASA Engineer

I am George Salazar, a retired NASA engineer who once struggled in school and went on to help shape human spaceflight. My mission is to help students, educators, and lifelong learners reach beyond boundaries and pursue STEM with confidence.

From Classroom Struggles to NASA Missions

From humble beginnings to a career among the stars, my path has been shaped by resilience, curiosity, and the constant desire to improve. I faced real academic hurdles early on, yet with support and persistence I earned a place at NASA and contributed to human spaceflight.

Today I share practical insights, honest stories, and tools to help others turn challenges into momentum – through my autobiography, speaking engagements, and STEM resources.

Featured Highlights

My Autobiography
From the Barrio to NASA Navigating Life's Unexpected Challenges.

Discover how early struggles, mentors, and disciplined habits led me to NASA. The book shares behind-the-scenes moments and practical lessons for students and professionals.

Speaking Engagements & Webinars

Keynotes and interactive talks tailored for schools, universities, conferences, and STEM events. Topics include perseverance, human-systems integration, teamwork, and deep-space missions.

STEM & Space Exploration Resources

Curated links, videos, and learning tools that make complex ideas approachable for students, teachers, and families.

My Book & Speaking Engagements

Through my autobiography and talks, I show how setbacks can become stepping stones. Expect candid lessons, real mission stories, and practical takeaways for learners at every level.

Topics I Often Cover:

Whether you’re reading my book or hearing my story in person, my goal is the same: to inspire you to dream big, work hard, and never give up.

STEM & Space Resources

Explore student-friendly links and activities to spark curiosity and build real-world skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Gallery

A few moments from a life in spaceflight and STEM outreach.

Blogs

The Importance of STEM in Today’s World

STEM is about mindsets and methods. See how hands-on projects make concepts stick.

Human Systems Integration(HSI) 101

Practical study habits, mentorship, and managing self-doubt.

Automation and Robotics in Deep Space

What changes when there’s no room for error.

There are a few people in this world who never had to struggle to achieve their goals, and George Salazar is not one of them. He reminds us that if something is worth having, it is worth striving for, no matter the struggle. He paints a vivid picture of never giving up, no matter the burden he carried, and no matter the obstacles in his way. This is the kind of story that only comes once in a lifetime; a story that shows how a man with determination and a wonderful, supportive family can inspire the rest of us the achieve our goals. Thank you, George! One person found this helpful

This was a great read. It was interesting and hard to put it down. I enjoyed reading about George Salazar's life, family, and the road to his career at NASA Johnson Space Center. Helpful

George Salazar’s book is a heartfelt, beautifully written account of a life lived with courage, passion, and an unwavering sense of authenticity. As someone who’s had the honor of calling George a friend, I was blown away by how honestly and vividly he shares the moments that shaped him. The pages are filled with the same energy he brings to every room—an inspiring mix of vulnerability, strength, and humor that makes you feel seen. Reading this book gave me a deeper appreciation for the man who’s inspired me for years. It’s one thing to admire someone from the outside, but it’s something else entirely to step into their story and understand the battles they’ve fought and the heart that’s guided them. This book doesn’t just tell you who George is—it shows you, and by the end, you’ll feel like a better version of yourself for having read it. 2 people found this helpful Helpful

This was a great read. It was interesting and hard to put it down. I enjoyed reading about George Salazar's life, family, and the road to his career at NASA Johnson Space Center. Helpful

From Struggling Student to NASA Engineer

From Classroom Struggles to NASA Missions