Yolanda E. Smith

Yolanda E. Smith, Ph.D., CPTD, serves as a Senior Robotics Instructor and Backup Manager at KBR, Inc. since October 2014, where responsibilities include designing training criteria for flight assigned astronauts and enhancing robotics certification skills for engineers. Previously, Yolanda worked as a Lecturer of Human Resource Development at the University of Houston, focusing on training needs assessments. With extensive experience at United Space Alliance from 1998 to 2014, Yolanda held various positions including Senior Robotics Instructor and Manager of EVA Systems Operations, where tasks involved training international astronauts and leading teams. Yolanda's earlier career includes teaching mathematics at Houston ISD. Yolanda holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master's in Educational Administration from Prairie View A&M University, along with a Bachelor's in Mathematics from Texas Southern University.