MATTAPOISETT — Old Rochester Regional High School alumnus Kris Gundersen recently spoke to high school students about his work at NASA.

On Dec. 20, Gundersen virtually presented to 22 ORR students and four staff members. Students from all grades and with varying interests were able to join. Gundersen's presentation focused on the Space Launch System and his journey from ORR to NASA.

Gundersen, who graduated with the Class of 2000, is the Lead Separation System and Pyro Devices engineer responsible for NASA's Space Launch System Separation, Ignition, Pyrotechnics, and Range Flight Termination systems. He is currently stationed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Gundersen encourages students to "learn something new everyday and [know that] there’s no limit to what you can do." He shares that he subscribes to that philosophy: "I’m always learning, always reading, always listening. Every day is a new opportunity to change for the better."

He shared videos of his work and told students many stories from his 18 years of experience. Gundersen also participated in a Q&A session with the students.

"We are fortunate to have ORR alumni like Kris who want to give back to our future generations by not only sharing their experiences and advice, but by encouraging them to follow their passions," Principal Devoll said.