Conversations with Kevin J Debruin

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Kevin J Debruin again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Kevin J, always such a pleasure connecting with you and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and inspiring messages with our community. We’re looking forward to getting the download and what you have been up to since our last interview, but first can you briefly introduce yourself to folks who might have missed the prior conversation.
My name is Kevin J DeBruin and I am a former NASA Rocket Scientist turned Entrepreneur spreading space and motivation around the globe. I craft engaging stories to share my expertise with the world in an easy to understand and relatable way. From the best place to find alien life in our solar system to overcoming obstacles to achieve your dreams, I try to educate and motivate all those I interacts with. With 10+ years in the industry and 30+ mission concepts under his belt, I just might be the go-to guy for space!

In 2018, I left NASA and started my own Space Education & Consulting Company. Everything lives underneath the company DeBruin Enterprises, LLC. I am the founder of Space Class and Source Class (in-progress), host and consulting producer of the Big Shots segment on NBC’s Play It Forward highlighting the Harlem Globetrotters. creator and host of A Place Called Space on YouTube, expert space consultant for CuriosityStream, a Host on The King of Random (TKOR), a 2-time TEDx Speaker, spacecraft design course instructor, aerospace industry contract engineer, international space & science camp instructor, and author of books: To NASA & Beyond, To Dare Mighty Things, and STEM PROs.

I share my passion for science in a fun & easy way. Everyone can understand my teachings! All the while I try to showcase an active & healthy lifestyle, grit & determination and serve as a role model for all ages, kids to adults. I am not your stereotypical socially awkward nerd. I am fun, goofy, smart, healthy, athletic, and maybe a little charismatic. The goal is to educate and inspire others about space and science. I work endlessly to bring space down to Earth for the masses in a fun and exciting fashion.

Before becoming an entrepreneur, I worked as a Systems Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) in Pasadena, CA. My focus was on the Europa Lander Mission Concept as a Flight Systems Engineer as well as more than 30 advanced mission concepts exploring the universe. I received my Master’s of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Aerospace Systems Design Lab.

Fun Fact: I am also an American Ninja Warrior, certified personal trainer, obstacle course racer, former bodybuilder, and an Eagle Scout.

Awesome, so we reached out because we wanted to hear all about what you have been up to since we last connected.
There are four big things that have occurred for me in the last year. First one is that I became a host, science expert, and consulting producer of the Harlem Globetrotter tv show on NBC called ‘Play it Forward’ where I break down the science of their trick shots in a segment called Big Shots! Catch me every single Saturday morning on NBC, check your local listings.

Second is that I published my fourth book, ‘STEM PROs”. It is a collection of advice from 60+ professionals in STEM. It is practical life and career advice from those doing it and those who have done it and switched paths. I am distributing this book at cost in an effort to spread STEM career information to all. Available through STEMPROsBook.com and Amazon.

Third is that my first ever space project, Europa Clipper, finally launched in October. I waited 10 years for the moment of liftoff from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It will take a little over 5 years to reach the Jupiter system and start the specific study of the moon Europa – which has the most significant astrobiological potential aka the best place to look for aliens!!

The fourth one is that I am orchestrating a Space Summer School for the Oxnard School district. I will present a collection of Space Professionals and space-related activities to foster curiosity, excitement, and motivation to students to inspire the next generation of careers in space to TK-8 students over the course of three weeks. The goal is to expose and educate these students about the wonders of space exploration, the careers within it, and the importance of space to our lives here on Earth.

Alright, so let’s do something a bit more fast-paced and lighthearted. We call this our lightning round and we’ll ask you a few quick questions.

• Favorite Movie: Independence Day
• Favorite Book: Man’s Search for Meaning
• Favorite TV Show: New Girl
• Favorite Band or Artist: Teddy Swims
• Sweet or Savory: Sweet – cookies are my kryptonite
• Mountains or Beach: Both! Gotta get some NorCal adventures in
• Favorite Sport (to watch): Hockey
• Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Soccer
• As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Astronaut – I’m not, yet!! But a rocket scientist is quite close
• French Fries or Onion Rings: Onion Rings
• Favorite Cartoon growing up: Rocket Power
• Favorite Childhood movie: Home Alone
• Favorite Breakfast Food: Chicken and Waffles

What are you most excited about in the coming year?
As a former NASA Rocket Scientist I have spent the last decade working around the globe as a host, author, and speaker. My mission? To inspire and educate people of all ages about the wonders of space exploration, the science made simple behind aerial phenomenon, and the importance of all to us here on Earth.

I am pleased to announce that I have a year-round weekly program that will bring all this to youth and families across broadcast network television, digital and streaming platforms to premiere this year. Specifics are still in work, but I cannot wait to showcase this!!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kevinjdebruin.com
• Instagram: @kevinjdebruin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevinjdebruinNASA/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevindebruin2589/
• Twitter: @kevinjdebruin
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/APlaceCalledSpace
• Other: BlueSky: @kevinjdebruin