“Alexa, play “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.”
Kerry Tang, a 2023 graduate of The Collegiate School of Memphis and proud Choose901 Alumni, is proving there truly ain’t no mountain high enough, not even the edge of space.
Now a Computer Science Major and Math Minor at Rhodes College, Kerry is part of a groundbreaking project involving a satellite designed to measure solar cells in outer space. The best part? The satellite has just passed a critical round of testing, with the possibility to go to space!
LAUNCHING INTO THE CHOOSE901 ALUMNI PROGRAM
Kerry first became involved in the Choose901 Alumni Program during the semesterly campus visits by coordinators.
“To me, it was clear that their message was about building a strong Memphis community and empowering young adults which resonated with me.”
He enjoys the frequent checkups as well as the emails about different opportunities and scholarships.
BETTER ON EARTH:
Kerry may be sending satellites into space, but he doesn’t plan to travel amongst the stars any time soon. “Even though that would be an incredible, life-changing experience, I would like to believe I am already comfortable on this pale blue dot,” says Kerry.
Kerry’s project focuses on how to build reliable and safe hardware and software that can still be trusted a thousand miles away.
“Meanwhile, (not to make fun of them) some astronauts like to duct tape cracks in the wall. Personally, I find the former a bit more interesting, and I prefer to stay closer to family and friends.”
CURRENT INSPIRATION SONG:
“I think a good song to summarize my current situation is “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi TerrelL,” says Kerry. “ I recently realized that if I wanted to do something and had enough time, I could really just do it.”
Kerry lives by the idea that there is not much to lose when you try new things. It’s either an accomplishment or restarting. “There is not really a downside to trying, at least for me. It is essentially saying, ‘Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.’”
PRE-TAKEOFF OF KERRY’S CAREER:
Kerry is a Computer Science major and Math minor, which he describes as a common combination, “and for a good reason. For instance, a lesson I took away from pursuing these fields is just how doable everything is,” says Kerry. “Something may seem complicated at first, but with context, you’ll realize that (1) other solutions can be mapped onto a current problem, or (2) the current problem can be broken down into easier sub-problems. (If I can get to this first, then I can accomplish my goal). That’s the domino effect of mathematical induction and the overall beauty of what I study. With these two things, I am capable of tackling anything that I face.”
Kerry’s drive stems from the inspiration of his uncle and net developer. One of his first core memories was building his first computer with him.
AFTER TAKE OFF:
After obtaining his degree, he looks forward to either low-level embedded systems or high performance computing. He is not picky of job choices and none of what he does is ever for the money.
“As long as I am able to apply what I have learned and utilize some degree of thinking, I will be satisfied,” says Kerry. “If nothing else, I am a life-long learner and problem-solver. That will always be a given.”
