Meet the Team

Welcome to NASA HUNCH: Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

NASA HUNCH (High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware) offers nine dynamic programs, providing unique, hands-on experiences for students eager to engage with real-world NASA projects. Our mission is to empower students and teachers to collaborate on authentic challenges that advance space exploration and STEM education.


How to Get Involved

Whether your school is new to NASA HUNCH or looking to expand your portfolio, we invite you to connect with your Regional Program Manager and Regional Mentor. They are your partners in navigating opportunities, resources, and project selection.


Quick Guide to HUNCH Programs & Contacts


Culinary Challenge Contact: Allison Westover

Software Development Contact: Michael Hayes

Bio Science Projects Contact: Allison Westover

NASA HUNCH Academy Contact: Flo Gold

Flight Configuration Contact: Mike Bennett

Flight Hardware Projects Contact: Donald A. Hecker

Design & Prototype Contact: Glenn Johnson

Video & Media Challenges Contact: Loy Trevino

Sewn Flight Articles –Soft goods Offered in the Near Future


Connect With Your Regional Support Team

Your Regional Mentor is a key resource for project guidance and support.

Find your mentor’s contact on the Regions Page of NASAHUNCH.com, or reach out to your Regional Program Manager for a personalized introduction, not sure


Join Us

At NASA HUNCH, students and teachers become collaborators and innovators.

Explore new horizons, develop valuable skills, and make a real-world impact with NASA.

Questions? Ready to start?

Contact your Regional Program Manager and Mentor today!

Scott Rodriguez

Scott Rodriguez

Vice President – Government Programs/Program Manager – NASA HUNCH

[email protected]

(832) 755-0948

George Kessler

George Kessler

HUNCH Program Director

[email protected]

(713) 213-6487

Bob Zeek

Bob Zeek

MSFC Project Resource Manage and Co-Founder

[email protected]

(256) 542-7219

Allison Westover

Allison Westover

Culinary and Nutritional Engineering Project Manager & Biomedical Science and Engineering Project Manager

[email protected]

(281) 898-2486

Donald A Hecker

Donald A Hecker

Flight Hardware Project Manager

[email protected]

(281) 244-2852

Michael Hayes

Michael Hayes

Software AI VR Cyber Security Project Manager, Regional Mentor for North Texas, Web Master

[email protected]

(214) 315-5607

Glenn Johnson

Glenn Johnson

Design & Prototype Project Manager

[email protected]

(281) 755-2823

Mike Bennett

Mike Bennett

Flight Configuration Project Manager

[email protected]

(281) 853-4618

Flo Gold

Flo Gold

HUNCH Academy Project Manager and Regional Mentor

[email protected]

(406) 690-2661

Lisa Passarelli

Lisa Passarelli

KSC Project Manager

[email protected]

(321) 861-8454

Nancy Hall

Nancy Hall

GRC Project Manager

[email protected]

(216) 385-6302

Cody W. Farinacci

Cody W. Farinacci

GRC Project Manager

[email protected]

Yolanda Simmons

Yolanda Simmons

LaRC Program Manager

[email protected]

(757) 864-1569

Dave Schlichting

Dave Schlichting

NASA HUNCH Mentor

[email protected]

(720) 988-0833

Roy Bellard

Roy Bellard

Machinist Mentor

[email protected]

(281) 787-1495

Carlos Valencia

Carlos Valencia

Hardware Assembly Specialist

[email protected]

(832) 537-8768

Loy Trevino

Loy Trevino

Business Partner, Video and Media Project Manager

[email protected]

(281) 244-0706

Julio Zambrana

Julio Zambrana

Flight hardware Processing Assistant

[email protected]

Gladys Hall

Gladys Hall

Project Coordinator

[email protected]

(281) 244-0733

Bill Gibson

Bill Gibson

Hardware Support Specialist

[email protected]

(256) 529-3804

Luke Sammons

Luke Sammons

HUNCH Flight Configuration Engineer

[email protected]

    Desiree Swanson

Desiree Swanson

Operations Coordinator – NASA HUNCH

[email protected]

(832) 205-7908

Natalia Nikkhoo.

Natalia Nikkhoo.

Manager of CMS

[email protected]

(212) 999-9192

Jeffrey Williams (AKA: Tyler)

Jeffrey Williams (AKA: Tyler)

HARDWARE Mentor

[email protected]

(281) 853-4951