Kenji Nomura has recently joined NOVA as an CTE Coordinator. We asked him a few questions to find out more about him and his work.

Hi Kenji. First of all, why did you come to NOVA? 

I’m passionate about helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to meaningful, real-world opportunities. NOVA’s strong commitment to access, workforce readiness, and student success really stood out to me, and I was excited by the chance to support programs that help students build practical skills and clear pathways into careers.  I’m grateful to be joining NOVA at a time when CTE is playing such an important role in preparing students for the future. I’m excited to continue learning from this community and to contribute to programs that help students build skills, confidence, and opportunity.

What are your first impressions after working at the college for a month? 

Very positive. In just a month, I’ve already seen how dedicated the faculty and staff are to supporting students. There’s a strong sense of purpose here, and I’ve been impressed by the energy, collaboration, and commitment to helping students succeed both academically and professionally. It’s clear that NOVA plays an important role in the region, and I’m excited to be part of that work.

What did you do before this job? 

Before this role, I worked at the Virginia Space Flight Academy as a STEM Education Specialist. I helped design space-related STEM activities and curriculum for students and worked on creating engaging learning experiences that connected science and technology to real-world applications.

What inspired you to pursue a career in Career and Technical Education (CTE)? 

What inspired me was the opportunity to help students see a direct connection between education and their future goals. I’ve always enjoyed hands-on, applied learning, and CTE creates space for students to develop skills, confidence, and experience that can lead directly to careers. I also really value that CTE helps students explore options, whether they want to enter the workforce, continue their education, or do both.

What do you enjoy most about working with students and faculty in CTE programs? 

What I enjoy most is seeing the connection between teaching, learning, and future careers come to life. Faculty bring so much expertise and dedication to their programs, and students bring curiosity, ambition, and a desire to build something for their future. It’s rewarding to work in an environment where education feels so connected to practical outcomes and personal growth.

How do CTE programs at NOVA prepare students for real-world careers? 

They prepare students by combining academic learning with technical skills and career-focused experiences. Students are gaining knowledge they can apply right away, while also building the professional habits, problem-solving skills, and adaptability that employers value. These programs help students leave with more than just coursework completed. They leave with relevant preparation for the workforce.

What role do internships, apprenticeships, or work-based learning play in your programs? 

They are incredibly important because they help students bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace. They give students a chance to apply what they’ve learned, gain confidence, build professional networks, and better understand industry expectations. These experiences can be just as valuable as coursework because they help students see themselves in a career field and build momentum toward their goals. 

What initiatives or projects are you currently working on?  

Right now, I’m focused on learning the full scope of NOVA’s CTE programs, building relationships across the college, and identifying ways to strengthen connections between students, faculty, and career pathways. As I settle into the role, I’m especially interested in supporting initiatives that expand student opportunities, strengthen workforce partnerships, and highlight the value of CTE across the college community.  

How do you see CTE evolving over the next few years?  

I think CTE will continue to evolve quickly as technology changes the way we learn and work. Artificial intelligence will play a major role, not only in the workplace, but also in how students build skills, solve problems, and prepare for careers. CTE programs will need to help students learn how to use emerging tools like AI thoughtfully and effectively, while still developing the technical knowledge, adaptability, and human-centered skills that employers value. I also think we’ll continue to see stronger connections between education and industry, with programs becoming even more responsive to workforce needs and new career pathways.

What advice would you give to students considering a CTE pathway at NOVA? 

Stay curious, ask questions, and take full advantage of the opportunities available to you. A CTE pathway can open doors to rewarding careers, hands-on learning experiences, and valuable professional connections. Don’t be afraid to explore different options and think about how your interests and strengths align with future opportunities. These programs can be a powerful starting point for building the future you want.

Can you tell us a little about an award you just won?

Well, just this month I was selected as one of three winners of the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics) 2026 Trailblazing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Educator Award! (Read more about the award here). I have also been an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow supporting NASA Science Activation.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I’m naturally curious, so I enjoy diving into new ideas and expanding my understanding of the world. I like to keep learning and explore as many topics as I can. I also really value spending time with my family. One of my biggest personal interests is space science, so I’m often drawn to anything related to space, discovery, and STEM.

Kenji can be reached at rnomura@nvcc.edu