Farah Al Fulfulee: A Journey from Iraq to NASA's Engineering Team

In a compelling narrative of perseverance and ambition, Farah Al Fulfulee, an Iraqi-born engineer, has transformed her childhood dreams of exploring the cosmos into a tangible career at NASA. Al Fulfulee's journey began at the tender age of four when she first climbed onto her family's roof in Iraq to gaze at the stars. "It scared me how vast and quiet the sky was, but it made me very curious. I grew a deep passion for the stars and constellations and what they might represent," she reflected. This early fascination with astronomy was nurtured by her father, who provided her with books and magazines about space, including information about NASA's missions aimed at benefiting humanity.

Despite facing significant barriers as a woman in Iraq, Al Fulfulee's dedication to her education led her to graduate from the University of Baghdad College of Engineering, where she earned a degree in electronic and communication engineering, ranking among the top ten students in her class. However, the reality of the job market in Iraq proved challenging. "I was the only female on the team. It was not common for a woman to work in the field or with customers, so I was always left behind to do office work. The job was not fulfilling," she recounted.

In 2016, seeking better opportunities, Al Fulfulee moved to Oklahoma, where she faced the daunting task of breaking into the engineering field without an American degree or relevant work experience. Over six years, she worked in quality assurance for a human resources software company, simultaneously enhancing her qualifications with a MicroMasters program in software verification and management from the University of Maryland.

Al Fulfulee's persistence paid off in 2022 when she secured a position as a software quality engineer at Boeing Defense, Space, and Security. "I was so excited; I knew I was much closer to my dream since Boeing worked in the space industry," she said. Just under a year later, she transitioned to a role as a system design and analysis engineer for the International Space Station Program at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. In this capacity, she develops requirements and validates testing for electrical systems and software supporting space station payloads, contributing to missions such as NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 and Crew-10.

"I could not be happier," Al Fulfulee stated, underscoring her commitment to achieving her ultimate goal of becoming an astronaut. She actively participates in NASA studies, including those testing spacewalk safety protocols in simulated environments, and is pursuing a master's degree in Space Operations Engineering from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

Additionally, Al Fulfulee is dedicated to empowering future generations. Earlier this year, she participated as a guest speaker at the Women in Tech & Business Summit in Iraq, where she aimed to inspire young women to pursue careers in technology. "I was the only person representing women in space. It was a really moving experience," she noted, sharing practical advice on overcoming barriers in the aerospace industry.

As she continues her journey, Al Fulfulee embodies the spirit of resilience and determination, stating, "I know my path is long and across the continents, but I am enjoying my journey." Her story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring engineers, especially women in the STEM fields, illustrating that with perseverance, dreams can be realized, no matter the obstacles encountered along the way.