What I Do I am Technical Program Director at Blue Origin. Essentially, that is a manager of a program that will use the Blue Origin New Glenn rocket. Specifically, I am working on supporting the advancements for Blue Origin to get NASA astronauts to the Moon.
Why Engineering? My ultimate dream was to be an astronaut. I chose engineering because I knew it was going to be a challenge, but I wanted to work in the space industry. I was not going to give up!
School Days B.S, Aerospace Engineering - Texas A&M University M.S, Aeronautical Science - Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
My Day At Work I work with so many people in different areas and a typical day at work is working together to figure out hard problems. We talk things through, break ideas up, and then settle on an organized plan to execute!
Best Part I love being able to be part of solving complex problems. Technical advancements don't happen overnight and aren't the work of one person. Working with a team and encourages each other is what I love to come into work each day for.
Proud Moments Some of my proudest moments have been: - Being a part of the Space Shuttle program - Conducting research and experiencing zero gravity on the 'vomit comet' - Being part of the vehicle that returned astronauts to the ISS since the Shuttle Program was retired.
Challenges Some of the challenges I have faced have been professors telling me I shouldn't study engineering and was more suited for the arts. I'm glad I didn't listen to them! College classes were hard! I kept trying hard at my classes and would seek help from peers or professors.
My Family I have two girls in elementary school, a husband who is a video game designer, 3 small dogs, and 6 chickens.
Dreams and Goals Short Term: Contribute to the spaceflight industry for successful space exploration flights. Long term: Start a K-12 outreach program to inspire young kids in STEM fields.
Inspiration My older sister who paved the way to recommend what to get involved with in high school and college. Astronaut Susan Helms was also a huge inspiration to me after I saw her biography as a young girl while she was up in space during a mission.