Alumni Spotlight: A Former Culinary Arts Student’s Role in the Historic Artemis II Launch
Less than a year after graduating from Texas A&M University, Georgetown ISD (GISD) Alum Claire O’Shoney is already part of something historic: helping develop the food that fueled astronauts on NASA’s Artemis II mission.
During her undergraduate studies in food science at Texas A&M, O’Shoney worked as a space food technician at the university’s space food research facility, where she contributed to the meticulous development and production of meals destined for space missions.
“We produced food that takes vigorous testing for a year-plus before it actually makes it to launch,” O’Shoney explained. “What we produced will probably be going out for the next five or so years.”
O’Shoney didn’t always know exactly which mission her work would support. That was until she learned that her work would contribute to Artemis II, the first crewed mission to return humans to the Moon's vicinity after more than 50 years.
“It’s surreal,” O’Shoney said. “Seeing that something I worked on, hands-on with other students and production supervisors, come to life in this historical moment has been incredible.”
The moment carries personal weight, too.
“Knowing that my grandparents watched the first moon launch, and now this is the first moon mission of my generation and I get to directly impact it is almost unbelievable.”
It was clear O’Shoney was destined for big things long before college. O’Shoney built a portfolio of outstanding achievements in GISD, including earning the title of “Number One Teen Chef in America” at the Culinary Arts National Competition in 2021. She credits a lot of those early experiences to her time in Career and Technical Education (CTE) Culinary Arts.
“So much of my success in college and post-grad is because of my time in GISD,” O’Shoney said. “Having the ability to learn from such a top-class pastry chef as a classroom instructor between the ages of 14 to 18 for hours a week is an invaluable experience, and it completely altered the course of my life.”
Chef Emily Jimenez, O’Shoney’s former instructor, said her success comes as no surprise.
“Claire has always been someone who thrives when she’s able to share her passion with others,” she said. “When Claire sets her mind to something, she pursues it with determination and focus, and very little can stand in her way.”
The technical skills O’Shoney learned from Jimenez in high school, from knife handling to food safety and sanitation, gave her a competitive edge.
“NASA was impressed that I already had extensive kitchen knowledge and knife skills,” O’Shoney said. “We learn tools and skills at such a young age that are not only beneficial to a trade, but to the workforce and occupational roles overall.”
Jimenez emphasized that the philosophy of the culinary arts program goes beyond technical training.
“In my classroom, I hold students to high expectations because I want them to be fully prepared for whatever comes next. We emphasize the importance of a positive mindset and a strong work ethic,” she said. “No matter where their careers take them, if they are willing to work hard and believe in themselves, countless opportunities will open up. I feel incredibly privileged to teach these lessons through the art of food and to watch students like Claire turn their passion into something extraordinary.”
Today, O’Shoney has turned her passion into a career at ClearMask USA, a flavor modulation company. There, she helps food and beverage companies refine their products, from enhancing flavor profiles to making ingredients like caffeine more palatable in energy drinks.
“I didn’t know food science was a career until later in high school,” O’Shoney said. “I think exposure to a variety of career options in high school for students is crucial. And in GISD, it’s not just available in culinary arts. There’s automotive, health science, hospitality, and more.”
O’Shoney’s journey highlights the power of early opportunity and hands-on learning. Most importantly, it’s a reminder that following your passions can lead you far – perhaps even to outer space.
To learn about other career and technical options in Georgetown ISD, visit our CTE website.
