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Ronald S. Gamble
Ronald S. Gamble
00:42

Ronald S. Gamble

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Greenbelt, MD USA

"The sky’s the limit. And then when you reach the sky, keep going. Stars, galaxies. Don’t stay in the sky—keep going."

Career Roadmap

Ronald S.'s work combines: Science, Environment & Nature, and Learning / Being Challenged

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Day In The Life

Theoretical Astrophysicist

I study the theory behind relativistic jet emission from supermassive black holes.

02:35

Day In The Life Of A Theoretical Astrophysicist

My Day to Day

I spend my time diving into the mysteries of black holes as a theoretical astrophysicist at NASA. My work balances cutting-edge research on relativistic jet emissions with mentoring early-career scientists through the Cosmic Pathfinders program. Whether I’m analyzing data, speaking at conferences, or guiding students toward careers in space science, my goal is to expand our understanding of the universe while inspiring the next generation​.

Skills & Education

Advice for getting started

I've experienced a lot of skepticism about my HBCU education versus other schools with more clout, like MIT. It's understandable because on paper, it looks like North Carolina A&T can't compete. I realized early on that I not only needed to be better than other students, I had to be stellar. In grad school, I learned how to do differential equations in my head. It impressed some but others still wanted to take me down a peg. Despite the skepticism, I've won awards and excelled in my field.

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Physics

    North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

  • Graduate Degree

    Condensed Matter Physics

    North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

  • Doctorate

    Theoretical Astrophysics

    North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

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Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I studied physics and fine arts at North Carolina A&T, blending creativity and science to fuel my curiosity about the universe.

  • 2.

    I stayed at A&T for my master’s and Ph.D., becoming the first to earn a doctorate in theoretical astrophysics from the university.

  • 3.

    My passion for black holes and relativity pushed me to master complex mathematics, even learning differential equations in my head.

  • 4.

    Despite facing skepticism about my HBCU background, I’ve won research awards and excelled in my field.

  • 5.

    I landed my dream job at NASA after sending a cold email, proving that preparation, persistence, and confidence truly open doors.

  • 6.

    In addition to my research, I mentor and guide students as director of the Cosmic Pathfinders program to ensure I’m not the only one in these spaces.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Peers:

    Your university isn't as good as ours.

  • How I responded:

    I've experienced a lot of skepticism about my HBCU education versus other schools with more clout, like MIT. It's understandable because on paper, it looks like North Carolina A&T can't compete. I realized early on that I not only needed to be better than other students, I had to be stellar. In grad school, I learned how to do differential equations in my head. It impressed some but others still wanted to take me down a peg. Despite the skepticism, I've won awards and excelled in my field.

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