Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Oct. 14, 2025) – The sky’s the limit for Emory Price ‘24. Or perhaps his limit is now the boundaries of the universe.
A Prairie View A&M University graduate, Price started a new journey as a contract specialist for the AMES Research Center for NASA’s Programs, Engineering and Science directorate. From day one of his NASA Pathways internship to his first day as a full-time NASA employee, he credits PVAMU’s support and guidance through his classes, involvement in business organizations and much more as foundational to his success.
Price, a legacy student who joins many family members, including his mom, dad, brother, both grandmothers, and multiple aunts and uncles in alumni membership, noted something special about PVAMU from the first visit.
“My friends and I were fed, given words of wisdom, and cared for by alumni on campus,” Price recalled from a visit during homecoming. “I was still a student at Dallas Community College at the time, but when I experienced the camaraderie of everyone on the campus, I knew it would be like a home once I enrolled. That really sold me.”
Price and his parents
The NASA Pathways internship provides structured guidance, assignments, training, and opportunities to prepare interns for full-time employment. Price’s business administration background and internship experience made him a natural fit for a full-time contract role at the AMES Research Center.
Attending Black Space Week in 2023 was his primary reason for pursuing a career at NASA.
“This informational session included alumni from PVAMU and also current and recent interns of the NASA Pathways Program,” Price said. “During this informational session, I was able to gather much-needed information about their internship programs, see the amount of high-level work interns did, and also connect with others who would ensure I was properly prepared for the program.”
Price with Victor Glover, pilot for Artemis II, NASA astronaut
The Pathways Internship similarly reflects what Price considers a spirit of support, guidance, and individuality unique to PVAMU.
“I love the culture of the school the most. I think attending an HBCU is an experience you cannot get anywhere else,” Price said. “I appreciate how everyone is their own individual. No one is trying to be like the next person, just being themselves to the fullest extent.”
Price noted that his internship experience was made possible in part by the “incredible network system PVAMU nurtures.”
“What I’ve loved the most about PVAMU has been the amount of networking opportunities the University has to offer and knowing that our advisors, professors and students are looking out for our best interest,” Price said. “I loved how they have tried their best to prepare us in every aspect for the real world once we graduate.
Price mentioned Daniel Kennebrew, assistant professor of business management, and Kimberly Gordon, assistant dean in the College of Business, as examples of PVAMU faculty and staff who have helped him achieve his goals by “always making sure I was on the right path.”
“They helped me achieve my goals by placing my name into rooms I have not yet even stepped into,” Price said. “They recommended me for interviews and internships; more than that, they were always a listening ear whenever I needed help. I also have to give much credit to Belinda Lewis and Daniel Nuels for their assistance in ensuring every accommodation and helping me walk the stage without any additional stress factors!”
He said this support was critical during key points in his journey, especially during the challenges. It’s about seeing any experience you have as a setup, not a setback, and pushing forward knowing there are people behind you, always.
Price with Christina Birch, NASA astronaut
“The biggest lesson I learned during college is that setbacks are setups for success,” Price said. “This motto helped me when I had to medically withdraw in spring 2021. At the time, it felt like a setback; I had only retail experience and no internships lined up. Returning to PVAMU in fall 2022, doors opened through connections and support that led me to NASA.”
During his time as a student at PVAMU, Price was named to the Student Advisory Board. He also interned at the Ultimate Medical Academy, Comcast NBCUniversal, and the National Diversity Council Emerging Leaders Program.
He said these experiences and his experience being involved on campus helped refine and shape the skills he now uses in his tech career at NASA.
“It molded me into a great leader and someone others could depend on,” Price said. “In my organization, the first year, I served as the board member for the College of Business, where I headed over four PVAMU College of Business committee members and facilitated meetings and events while also providing funding for events. Throughout this tenure, we were able to help students stay on track for on-time graduation.”
For current students thinking about pursuing a career at NASA, or following any dream – no matter if they are in this universe or not – Price says you must “keep climbing” and maybe look back sometimes – not to regret any experience, but instead to share the knowledge and encouragement to help someone keep going too.
“Be intentional about what you want, and don’t undervalue your journey before the blessings arrive,” Price said. “Stay the course; the top of one mountain is the bottom of the next. And if you reach the top, pay it forward so the next person can have a great trail.”
By Meredith Mohr
-PVAMU-