Tell us briefly about your work for NASA and when you first knew you wanted to join the agency.
I work in the Avionics and Instrumentation Branch. I’ve been the avionics lead on our DC-8 Airborne Laboratory since 2012. Previously, I worked on the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy as the night shift avionics lead from 2007 to 2011. I also worked on the SubsoniC Research Aircraft Testbest (SCRAT) for a brief period in 2011. I never knew NASA had careers in my field of aviation. Like many, I thought NASA only did “space stuff”. I read a job announcement on USA Jobs and thought “WOW, I can do that!”
How has your job shifted due to the global pandemic?
Before the pandemic, our branch typically did not telework. The alternate work schedule during the pandemic gave me the opportunity to prove that I can manage the workload from home. I’ve come into the work site recently, either our Building 703 or our main campus on Edwards Air Force Base, only when physical work was required.
Have you overcome any challenges to get where you are?
No, but my challenge now is advancing my career here at the Armstrong Flight Research Center.
Share with us any role models who inspired you.
Gary Beard, my previous branch chief, helped mentor me and develop me as a lead in our Branch.
Explain briefly the importance of education in your upbringing.
I attended a few years of junior college, but never finished my degree in electronics. I received most of my training in the military, serving active duty in the Army for five years and in the Air Force Reserve for 15 years.
Do you have any advice for others like yourself who may be contemplating a career at NASA.
NASA is a great place to work and I’ve enjoyed working on the DC-8 for the past eight-plus years. I’ve traveled the world and I meet many interesting people. Plus, the DC-8’s mission is very rewarding!