When Kaliah Jackson, a senior chemist and program manager at HII’s Advanced Materials Coatings Lab in Illinois, graduated from South Carolina State University with a degree in chemistry, she could never have anticipated that her career would lead her into the realm of space exploration.

From her childhood days, Jackson exhibited a profound passion for science and an insatiable curiosity about how various components interconnect and function. Interestingly, one of her early experiments—a mix of chemicals in her grandmother's toilet—resulted in a 'fume explosion,' leading to a week's ban from her grandmother’s house!

Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “I’ve always been drawn to understanding the components of things and how they work together. Science can be daunting due to its complexities, funding, resources, and ethical dilemmas, but the rewards come from the discoveries that can ultimately transform society.”

Initially, Jackson dreamed of becoming a pediatrician, but her focus shifted over time to forensic science, where she envisioned herself as a forensic toxicologist unraveling mysteries at crime scenes. “Forensics is still my favorite field of science,” she confessed. “The ability to solve problems purely through scientific inquiry is fascinating.”

In a surprising twist of fate, Jackson did not pursue graduate studies immediately. Instead, in 2012, she began her career as an associate chemist at Alion Science & Technology, a predecessor of HII. Here, she tested advanced paint coatings in a lab known for its rich 60-year history of developing protective thermal coatings for spacecraft. In 2020, she earned her MBA and subsequently became the production lead before ascending to program manager in 2021, overseeing the entire lab under HII’s Mission Technologies division.

The laboratory recently upgraded its capabilities, relocating from Chicago to Willowbrook, Illinois. Under Jackson's leadership, her team of chemists creates specialized coatings that significantly lower spacecraft external temperatures and reduce UV radiation absorption, thus improving the efficiency of onboard instruments.

Unlike conventional paint, which is primarily designed for aesthetic appeal, the AMCL coatings adhere to rigorous NASA specifications, taking into account orbital patterns, temperature fluctuations, and radiation exposure. These coatings have been instrumental in safeguarding various space missions, including NASA’s Apollo, Gemini, and Mars Orbiter programs. Moreover, the AMCL team is ambitiously looking to extend its innovations beyond aerospace into other markets, both nationally and internationally.

Emphasizing the importance of adaptability, Jackson shared her insights with aspiring innovators: “When people think of STEM, they often limit themselves to the image of a scientist. The field is vast, and there are numerous sectors within STEM you might not have encountered. I stumbled upon coatings by chance, and it opened an entirely new realm of possibilities. Just getting your foot in the door can lead to endless opportunities.”

With the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Defense prioritizing space as a critical domain for national security, Jackson and her team are diligently working to meet these increasing challenges.

“I’m excited for the future of the AMCL,” Jackson concluded. “As we continue to explore the final frontier, advanced coating technology will play a pivotal role—not merely as a protective layer, but as a crucial enabler, safeguarding spacecraft from extreme environments and enhancing mission performance. I am truly honored to contribute to this remarkable field.”

Kaliah Jackson's journey serves as an inspiring testament to the endless possibilities within STEM, urging the next generation to explore and innovate in ways they have yet to imagine.