After graduating from Pearl River Community College, Segren worked as an office manager in a children’s office. Segren anticipated a fulfilling career in the medical field until an opportunity “fell in my lap” at the NASA center in southern Mississippi.
The NASA Shared Services Center at NASA Stennis was hiring for its travel department, so Seagren applied.
“There are so many different roles, and my biggest thing was to not second-guess your decisions,” he said. “It was a big change for me, and I took the leap and got to where I am today, even though it was a completely different career field.”
A new career field, yes, but not a new place. Segren grew up in Pearlington, Mississippi, less than 10 miles from the nation’s largest propulsion test site. His grandfather, Grover “Sho-Sho” Bennett, retired from NASA Stennis as a tugboat captain, helping to deliver rocket propellants along the site canal system to the NASA Stennis test stand.
Just as her grandfather made sure the rocket engine’s fuel made it to its destination on time, Segrin does the same for NASA employees by coordinating travel plans. He is now in a similar role as a financial management specialist for NASA Stennis.
Working with astronauts, engineers, and many other NASA employees, no two trips are the same, which is part of Segrin’s job.
A similar thing is the trips coordinated by Segrin, which are in line with NASA’s mission to explore the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all.
The Kiln, Mississippi, resident plays a critical role in NASA missions by booking flights, arranging accommodations, and managing schedules.
“The best thing about working at NASA Stennis is getting to experience everything,” he said. “It’s always interesting to see what other projects and duties everyone is doing. The process kind of starts with the travel department. … It’s a small step, but we’re involved, making sure Because everybody is where they need to be, when they need to be, I think that’s great.