As a civil servant, I currently work as an Electronics Engineer in the Architectures, Missions and Science Branch of the System Analysis and Concepts Directorate (AMSB/SACD). The branch's mission is to do system analysis for future NASA missions. Basically this means that we do modeling, systems studies and concept designs for future NASA missions specifically as they apply to space exploration. I bring instrument and sensor expertise to this organization given my background in laser/lidar design and development

I have been designing and building lasers for quite some time now and I have encountered many different aspects of laser design. I have designed and built lasers from just the component portion to the entire system. I have designed and built lasers that have flown on the shuttle, airplanes and satellite. I headed up a program where a solid-state laser was developed to measure wind velocity. By measuring wind velocity, scientist and meteorologist can more accurately predict weather and natural weather phenomena like hurricanes. I have also worked on developing a laser system that would be integrated into an instrument that will measure ozone from space. This is a very important measurement because ozone is what protects us from the harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun.

I wish that I could say that I knew early on in life that I wanted to become a scientist or engineer. That would not be the truth. My career goals had changed a lot when I was growing up. During high school, I thought that I wanted to become a judge. At that time I thought that Thurgood Marshall (the first African-American judge appointed to the Supreme Court) was the coolest person in the world, and I wanted to be like him. Until one day my father suggested that I pursue a career in engineering; and, because my father was the most intelligent person in the world, I did just what he suggested. Dad knew that I was good in math and enjoyed trying to figure out how things work. So, in my senior year of high school, I dumped the idea of becoming a judge and pursued engineering. Well, to make a long story short, I am an engineer and I really enjoy what I do. I guess the moral of the story is not to sweat the career thing. Take your time to decide what you want to do, determine what things you are good in and use that as a tool to decide your career goals.

Sometimes I think that science fiction movies have given scientist a bad name. The perceptions of scientist are that they work in laboratories by themselves and do not interact with people. People think that scientist are nerds and they don't do cool things. Well, I'm here to tell you that is not true. In my job, I do a lot of traveling to all parts of the country to attend technical conferences. I travel to different colleges to recruit new employees. I go to career days at various high schools. The engineers in the AMSB work together to produce credible analysis and concepts for NASA. I interact with the primary customer and support new research and development of instruments and sensors. Therefore, scientist/engineers are really well rounded people!

My favorite aspect of this job is interacting with young people. I have mentored intelligent young people who are in high school and college. It is truly refreshing to work with these folks, because they are always full of energy and new ideas. They keep me motivated. I also occasionally go out to area schools to do science demonstrations or talk about the work I do here at NASA Langley Research Center.

While the science/engineer careers are still male dominated, more and more women have entered in the workforce. I always encourage young women where ever I go to pursue a career in science, it is truly fascinating. During my term (1993 - 1996) as a Langley Federal Women's Program Committee (FWPC) member I enjoyed working with other women to identify and address our needs within the working environment. Issues like flexible work hours, child care facilities and health issues are just some of the areas that have been addressed. And although these issues may be women orientated, men benefit also because they are an integral part of the family.

I often encourage young women not to put any limitations on their career choices. In this day and age, all career fields are wide obtainable. I encourage young women to pursue a career in science or engineering, because it is one way you can impact society and have fun along the way.

Philosophy: "All things are possible!"

Julie has been the guest speaker for WON's National African American History Month celebration in February 2000! And she has been featured in numerous NASA outreach educational program material.

• "A Day in The Life of..." (Summer '97) journal