NASHVILLE (AP) — A Tennessee State University alumnus and NASA engineer is being recognized for outstanding contribution to the agency.

Ron Cobbs is a 1989 graduate of TSU and avionics chief engineer to the International Space Station operations.

He recently received the NASA Johnson Space Center Director's Commendation Award.

The award recognizes the center's civil servants with significant contribution toward the mission and operations of the JSC. It's the highest honor given by the NASA-JSC administrator.

Last year, Cobbs' input helped in identifying the cause of a space suit malfunction during a spacewalk in July.

Cobbs joined NASA immediately after graduating TSU. He has moved through the ranks from design engineer, systems engineer to now ISS avionics chief engineer.