1st Lt Vladislav L. Berman USMC

My Story

For as long as he can remember, 1st Lt. Vladislav L. Berman has aspired to be an astronaut, and his journey reflects an unwavering commitment to making that dream a reality. Born Ukraine and raised in Texas, Lt. Berman began pursuing his passion for engineering in high school, enrolling in advanced technical courses and preparing for a future beyond the stars.

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His dedication led him to Purdue University in Indianapolis, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with the support of a full-ride academic scholarship. Recognizing Purdue’s legacy as a cradle of astronauts, Lt. Berman’s undergraduate studies set the foundation for his career in aerospace. Post-graduation, he joined Honeywell in Connecticut, working as a sales engineer specializing in combustion systems. Simultaneously, he pursued a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in turbomachinery at the University of Hartford, balancing full-time work and advanced studies. During this time, he further honed his expertise in a structural engineering Co-Op at Pratt & Whitney, contributing to jet engine design.

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Driven by a desire to serve and inspired by NASA’s history of recruiting prior service test pilots with engineering backgrounds, Lt. Berman answered his calling to become a Marine. Commissioned as an officer on March 24 2022, he embarked on the rigorous path of a Naval Aviator, starting with the United States Marine Corps’ Officer Candidate School (OCS) and The Basic School (TBS). At TBS, Lt. Berman completed the intensive course, embracing the USMC ethos that “every Marine is a rifleman.” This training not only solidified his leadership skills but also equipped him to excel in any mission he undertakes.

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In pursuit of continuous growth, Lt. Berman attended Project PoSSUM, a Citizen-Science Astronaut Program at Florida Tech, where he expanded his knowledge in spaceflight operations. And is currently attending University of Southern California to hopefully obtain a Masters in Astronautical Engineering from the Viterbi School of Engineering. Another school with a history of Astronauts. All while attending flight school as a active duty Marine and Student Naval Aviator, he continues to enhance his qualifications through advanced coursework and certifications, determined to differentiate himself as an astronaut candidate.

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Looking to the future, Lt. Berman is working to attend Test Pilot School as a flight test engineer, followed by the Naval Postgraduate School to pursue a Ph.D. in space systems. His ambition to contribute to space exploration is rooted in a profound sense of purpose and service. Over the next decade, he envisions serving his country, deploying on multiple missions, and further cementing his expertise in aerospace and leadership.

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Ultimately, Lt. Berman’s goal is to join NASA and become an astronaut, striving to be among the first humans to set foot on Mars. His relentless drive, technical expertise, and Marine Corps leadership exemplify the qualities of a future space explorer. Lt. Berman is committed to ensuring that his application to NASA reflects not just his qualifications but his life’s purpose—to explore the final frontier.

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