From overseeing nuclear missile operations to performing cost analysis for naval combat systems, Makayla “Kay” Gilliam has dedicated her career to uncovering inefficiencies and bolstering national defense. After 5 years of active duty in the United States Air Force, she now contributes to federal program oversight from the private sector, providing structured insights that inform risk management and ensure accountability. To accelerate this transition, she spent 6 months as a SkillBridge Fellow at the NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG)—learning new analytical skills, assisting a foreign influence investigation, and examining ways to improve America’s spaceflight initiatives.
Gilliam was initially drawn to the Air Force when she was applying to colleges as a senior in high school. “I knew the branch was at the leading edge of tech development, with its next-gen aircraft, enhanced intel capabilities, and cybersecurity innovations,” she said. “I wanted to be part of that effort to push the boundaries of knowledge.”
She graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2020 with a bachelor’s in English and spent the next 5 years as a Nuclear and Missile Operations Officer in Cheyenne, Wyoming. There, she led groups of operators, maintainers, and security personnel who supported one of the nation’s land-based intercontinental ballistic missile bases. At the same time, she earned a Master of Business Administration through a virtual program offered by Louisiana State University in Shreveport.
In mid-2024, as she neared the end of her military service, Gilliam began looking for ways to gain technical expertise that would augment her management experience. When a friend told her about the SkillBridge Program run by the Department of Defense, it seemed like an ideal opportunity to close this knowledge gap. SkillBridge gives military members hands-on industry training during their last 180 days of service. Gilliam applied through NASA’s website and received multiple interview requests, including one from the OIG.
“At first, I didn’t know much about OIGs,” Gilliam said. “I knew there were special agents who investigated crimes, but it wasn’t until I did more research that I learned about the OIG’s auditors, lawyers, and IT specialists. I realized working with these technical experts would help me hone the analytical skills I needed to further my career.”
During her 6-month fellowship, Gilliam split her time between NASA OIG’s Office of Audits and Office of Investigations. To aid the latter, she sifted through NASA research grants, gathering information for a case involving a university professor who failed to disclose ties to China. In addition, she helped a team of auditors prepare for their upcoming review of the Agency’s Commercial Crew Program, which partners with American private industry to ferry astronauts to and from the International Space Station. As part of the project, Gilliam visited Kennedy Space Center in Florida to conduct audit interviews and see the spacecraft that transport astronauts.
“I really enjoyed learning about the auditing process,” Gilliam said. “Doing interviews and writing about our findings leveraged my background as an English major and taught me how to synthesize complex information in a way that’s accessible to the public. Our oversight work felt meaningful and had a direct impact on astronaut safety.”
In addition to sharpening her written and oral communication, Gilliam also learned how to review government contracts—a skill she relies on in her current job. As a defense consultant, she performs cost analysis for the Department of Defense and employs the methods she learned at NASA OIG to assess program budget, schedule, and performance. She also continues to contribute to national security as a member of the Air Force Reserve.
Gilliam credits her SkillBridge fellowship with easing her transition to the civilian workforce. “The experience really helped boost my qualitative and quantitative analysis skills,” she explained. “Not to mention, potential employers take notice when they see NASA OIG on a resume.”
To those considering applying to SkillBridge, Gilliam has one piece of advice: “Go for it!”