BGSU computer science alumnus puts passion into action with career at NASA

A degree and on-campus job at BGSU helped Houston Burrow ’16 launch a career in the aerospace industry.

During the past nine years working for NASA, Bowling Green State University graduate Houston Burrow ’16 has never lost the sense of wonder that comes with his job.

As a software test engineer based at the Glenn Research Center outside of Cleveland, Burrow’s team operates a proprietary data system used across NASA facilities to perform tasks like gathering temperatures, speeds and pressure readings that test cells use during trials, a key behind-the-scenes role that keeps an unparalleled organization on the forefront of space exploration.

For Burrow, the chance to work on projects that will ultimately aim to answer previously unknowable questions is something that never gets old. 

“Seeing the thing you’ve read about or working on something you know is going into space is very cool,” Burrow said. “Being able to work on the components that make all of that possible is pretty surreal. Where else are you going to be able to do that other than NASA?”

Building a foundation at BGSU

His journey to NASA started with a degree in computer science from BGSU, where Burrow explored a lifelong interest and found his way into a career he never thought possible. 

A native of Fostoria, Ohio, Burrow grew up fascinated by the intricacies of computers. When playing video games, he’d often wonder how someone made the game come to life through understanding how computers operate, different programming languages and how to create desired results in computing.

The son of two BGSU graduates, Burrow always considered the University for his next steps, but it wasn’t until he took a tour that he saw everything he wanted: the perfect-sized campus, an affordable undergraduate degree and an accredited pathway into a career he has found fulfilling.

“I was very intrigued by a programming career and the opportunities it presents to you after school,” he said. “My brother was a huge influence for me going into the field, so I was happy to be in the computer science field and know I was going to have a good career after I graduated.

“But I had no idea that working at NASA would even be a possibility for me until I actually got to BGSU.”

BGSU, which created Ohio’s first computer science department in 1969, has an ABET-accredited bachelor of science in computer science program, where students like Burrow have a chance to learn the craft from expert faculty.

In addition to learning in the classroom, Burrow also found an on-campus opportunity that set him up for success prior to graduating. 

“I had a really cool job when I was at BGSU that became that  ‘A-ha’ moment for me,” Burrow said. “I worked with the programming team in the Office of Admissions, and even though I wasn’t as talented as the full-time employees were, I had mentors who were able to show me the ins and outs of how they got their jobs done, and also help me with my own projects. 

“After having that real-world experience, that let me know programming was something I was good at and something I enjoyed enough for it to be my career.”

A decade at NASA

Burrow applied for a role at NASA on a whim, and said he was taken aback when the person who became his first supervisor called just days later to schedule an interview.

As a software test engineer, Burrow and his team are a key part of the development process for NASA.

Working to improve NASA’s data system involves a consistent problem-solving process that powers big projects. After various features or systems go through development, Burrow’s team tests them, assesses what might need to be fixed or improved, makes suggestions and works with customers to create something functional. 

“With something that big and all-encompassing, there are always new features and constant development going on,” he said. “Once the development is done, you have to validate whether the system actually does what you want it to do and it satisfies the customer’s requirements, which is where my team comes in.”

During his time at BGSU, Burrow said he imagined professional success after graduation.

But as he approaches his 10-year milestone with NASA, Burrow said using his abilities to collaborate on cutting-edge projects every day has been every bit a dream career.

“I remember some of my first meetings, I was so star-struck by the people who had been in the industry for 20-plus years and built new components for all these different incredible projects,” Burrow said. “Being in a room with such talented and intellectual people every day is the most fulfilling part, for sure, and I’m so thankful for that.”