Getting to know SKYRE’s Newest Chemical Engineer, Steven Spratford
What made you choose SKYRE?
It’s a combination of the people, mission, and culture. I try to surround myself with people I can look up to, who inspire me, and whom I can learn and grow with. After my initial talks with the team I got the feeling that’s what I’d find at SKYRE. The SKYRE team loves to solve problems and we all share the same mission to do the hard stuff that needs to be done. Not to mention it’s always been a dream of mine to work with NASA and now I get that opportunity. At SKYRE communication is always encouraged. Whether it’s speaking up if something seems amiss, or introducing an outlandish idea, or just asking a question that might seem obvious — there’s no shame here, and you’re never punished for respectfully speaking your mind. I feel like we have a culture that creates a safe environment and brings out the best in everyone. It’s easy to come in each day and feel excited about working some hard problems with a great team.
I moved to Connecticut from Houston, Texas. I’ve lived there since I was young, and my girlfriend still lives there. Moving away from my friends and family, along with having to enter a long distance relationship made this one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. New England is vastly different than Texas, and I think this new environment has opened my mind. It’s been difficult and uncomfortable, but what it did for my ability to expand as a person has been incredible.
How do you connect to SKYRE’s mission?
Being born a human being means you’ve been given a gift you didn’t earn. I feel a responsibility to help give that gift to future generations. I’ve learned the path toward a meaningful life is through responsibility. And I’m grateful to SKYRE for affording the opportunity to walk that path in my profession.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I’m a foodie. Very into cooking. I’d like to think I was a foodie before it was cool to be a foodie. My girlfriend is a dietitian so we connect on food and nutrition. We believe in food as medicine. Over the past few years I’ve gotten really into tea as well. I hosted a tea party here at the office and it was really nice to be able to share that with everyone.
Another big thing about me is health and wellness. Once you get those two things in order, you can function so much better on every level. Exercising regularly. Eating the best I can. Keeping on top of my psychological needs. And just generally creating habits that ensure all parts of me get what I need every day is really important to me.
