Job Duties...

Q: How do you use your computer?
Well, I use my computer for many things. For instance, I work on spreadsheets for budget, I write requirement documents, telnet to main computers to work on programs, etc.

Q: What kinds of things have you built?
As a Simulation Systems Engineer, I have helped todesign the cockpits of our simulators - instrument panels, display system layouts, etc.

Q: Are you doing anything with the Mars mission?
Indirectly, my FTA job supported the long term program of getting us to the moon and beyond - Mars.

Q: Can you tell us what the Sikorsky helicopter is you worked on in the simulator?
The Sikorsky (S-61) helicopter is a five-blade, single-rottor, commercial passenger-type helicopter.

Q: Are you going to be involved with the International Space Station (ISS)? If so, what is your job ?
Currently, I don't work on any ISS projects.

Q: ?Quiero saber si usted usar la matimatica todos los dias?
Si, unos dmas mas que otros uso mis abilidades en matematica. Yes, I use math abilities on most days.

Thoughts about my job...

Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I like working on the different types of studies that researchers bring to our facility.

Q: How do you like being an engineer?
I enjoy being an engineer. It is a very rewarding to work at NASA.

Q: Which is the most interesting project you've worked on?
(2005) I guess designing the conception design for a new General Aviation simulator from scratch - it helped me learn the most so it's my favorite so far...

Q: Do you think you will stay at NASA or do you have dreams of pursueing another career?
I really enjoy the work I doing - however, NASA has many other fields available where I could try something else if the need arises.

Q: Would you like to go to space if you were given the chance?
YES! I've been applying to the Astronaut Candidate Program since 1996!

Benefits & Compensation…

Q: Cuanto llevas trabajando ahi?
Desde 1990 - 20 años, vaya que rapido pasa el tiempo cuando estas disfutandolo!

Q: How many hours a day do you work on your job?
I work a typical 8 hour/day job (40 hours/week).

Q: What is the beginning salary for an AST?
Our salary scale varies. You can check on-line to view the current NASA Salary Tables. .

Q: Does NASA provide any additional necessary training?
Yes, NASA does provide us with training and even pays for our Graduate schooling.

Work Environment...

Q: What is it like being one of the few females to work for NASA?
I really don't think about that much. It has become second nature to me now. I guess the less you dwell on it, the less you notice it. Plus I work with a bunch of gentlemen which makes it easier :)

Q: How did you get motivated for this job knowing this field contains mostly males?
I enjoy my work so that is my motivation.

Q: What do you have to wear in your job?
Oh, it's pretty casual around here. But we do dress up for demos, presentations, tours, etc.

Q: What is a typical day like for you?
Well, currently (2005), I'm the Systems Engineer for the HSR Flight Simulation Program. Typically I spend my day working with our NASA researchers concerning their simulation study requirements and generating reports on our progress.

Experiences being a women/Hispanic engineer...

Q: Are your co-workers mainly male, or are there some female co-workers?
We are very few female engineers & scientist but thankfully more women are pursuing S&T careers. NASA Workforce is changing every year so check on-line for the latest statistics at http://nasapeople.nasa.gov/workforce/ - under Workforce Siize and sort by Gender

Q: Is being an engineer hard work for a women?
It is just as hard as it is for men. I don't think it's easier for one gender to learn than it is for another. We all have the same potential!

Q: Was it always your dream to have this job when you were a child?
As I mentioned, I had many interest (archeologist, veterinarian, marine biologist, computer scientist, engineer, astronomer, astronaut) so I guess I'm lucky I finally decided on a couple :)

Q: Do you work mostly around men, or women?
Mostly men but I notice that every year that there are more women working around here so that is exciting!

Q: Does it feel strange to work around men?
Not really. I've got use to being the only woman around early on in college.

Q: Do you speak spanish fluently?
A: Yes, I can speak and write in Spanish fluently.

Q: Do you think being bilingual has helped you in your specific career at all?
Yes, particularly when I've been at conferences where people come from around the world - it's nice to know at least one of the languages they speak.

Q: How many women work with you compared to men?
In my branch there are only 2 other female engineerings out of a staff of 25! So hit those science & math books hard - we need more of us out here!

Q: ?Es su trabajo muy dificil?
Hay dias que son mas retos que otros.

Q: Cuando usted comenso esta carera, tuvo algun problema siendo hispana ??
De verdad que no lo creo - por lo menos no me di cuenta.

Q: Quisiera saber sobre sus raices hispanos? Nacio Ud. en los EEUU?
Soy Puertorriqueqa nacida en los EEUU. I'm Puertorriquen born in the states.

How to prepare for a job in S&T field...

Q: Que estudiaste para ser lo que eres?
Un bachilerato en computadoras, pilota, y una maestria de ciencia en ingenieria de sistemas (modelos y simulaciones).

Q: Did you like science as a child?
Yes, I always found many fields of science very interesting - I guess that's why I couldn't make up my mind on what field to pick :)

Q: What influenced you to be a scientist?
I enjoy learning about new things and how things work. Plus I really enjoy science and math.

Q: How long did you take shool to prepare for this?
Well, I'm still going to school just because I like learning new things especially if it helps me do my job better. But when I was hired by NASA I had a BS and that took me 3 years to complete - it usually takes 4, I took extra classes in the summer. Then I completed my masters degree part-time while I worked full-time for NASA.

Q: What do you have to do to apply for the astronaut program? How long does it take to find out it you are accepted and how long are you eligible? Are there certain fields of work where you have a better chance of getting accepted?
Applicants for the Astronaut Candidates Program must meet the basic education requirements for NASA engineering and scientific positions - specifically: successful completion of standard professional curriculum in an accredited college or university leading to at least a bachelor's degree with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics.
For more info, visit NASA Astronaut Selection or Astronaut Candidate Program

Q: What is the minimum math requirement for an aerospace science technologist (AST)? And did you get this training at E-RAU ?
Individuals employed with NASA as engineers and scientists are referred to as Aerospace Technologists (ASTs). To qualify for AST positions, applicants must have successfully completed a standard professional curriculum in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate field of engineering (not engineering technology), physical science, life science or mathematics.
For more information, visit NASA Fact Sheet - Careers in Aerospace Technology

Q: How do I apply for a job at NASA?

Federal (Civil Servant) openings are listed at www.nasajobs.nasa.gov. View openings available to Non-NASA Applicants and Current NASA Employees. For more information, visit www.nssc.nasa.gov/jobs

Q: Puede usted volar un avion? / Do you know how to fly a plane?
Si, tengo licensia de aviadora! Yes, I fly airplanes and have a pilot's license.

Q: Me facinan programacisn usando la simulacisn. ?En qui capacidad esta Ud. invulcrada - la teorma, el diseqo, la programacisn,...?
!Que bueno que te gusta - siga estudiandolo que te vendra bien! Trabajo mucho con las distintas teormas de modelos matematicos, por ejemplo, modelos de turbulencia y viento para nuestros programas de simulacion.

Q: Have you ever been in a simulator yourself, and if so can you describe the experience?
Yes, I use to fly our Visual Motion Simulator when we are testing out new model or other software changes. It is pretty COOL :) If you've ever been to an amusement park where they have simulator rides ... give it a try!

Q: What age and schooling do you need to be a part of NASA?
To qualify to be hired at NASA you must have successfully completed a standard professional curriculum in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate field of engineering (not engineering technology), physical science, life science or mathematics.
For more information, visit NASA Fact Sheet - Careers in Aerospace Technology

My Advice to students...

Q: What is your best advice for aspiring engineers ?
A: Research which field of engineering you would like to pursue! Go to the library, job fairs, or get a mentor. There's tons of stuff out there and it's always good to do that which you like the best!
For more information, visit NASA Fact Sheet - Careers in Aerospace Technology

Q: I am an aspiring engineer, and have set my main goal as being an astornaut. How can I better prepare myself for this?
A: Well, first pick the field your most interested in and do your best in it. Nowadays, astronauts are very diversified in their backgrounds which is an advantage for us aspiring astronauts.
For more information, visit NASA Astronaut Selection