Please explain your job in a single sentence.
I am the deputy chief technologist at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and I am responsible for helping manage the center’s research and technology portfolio.
What do you find most exciting about your job as Kennedy Space Center’s deputy chief technologist? How does that motivate you?
I love interacting with researchers and being part of NASA’s innovative atmosphere. I love that my work is constantly changing and that I get to stay current with state of the art technologies. I never stop learning here at Kennedy.
What is a typical day like for you?
Lots of meetings! I spend about half of my time with research and technology work at Kennedy and about half of my time doing work with the agency’s Office of the Chief Technologist and the Chief Technologist’s Council.
Was your first month at NASA anything like your current work?
During my first month, I was a researcher at Kennedy and now I’m managing research and technology, so yes, it’s similar and a natural progression. However, I am now doing things that I had never dreamed of. Before, my job was quite focused on one area of research. Now I am working in multiple disciplines.
What is your educational background and why did you choose to study those areas?
I have a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, Master of Science in industrial chemistry and Ph.D. in chemistry with specialization in materials and environmental chemistry. I’ve always liked science and nature. As a kid, I fell in love with the Florida Springs and have been very interested in preserving the environment. I probably would have majored in any of the sciences or engineering but I received a Dow Chemical Scholarship and that nailed down the decision.
How do the era and place in which you grew up shape how you approach your work?
I was a high school senior during the Challenger accident. It affected me greatly, and I try to always work to advance science at NASA as a tribute to those who lost their lives to advance space exploration and science.
What motivated you to want to work for NASA?
My master’s research was on cleaning up pollutants left behind from the Apollo era. When I came to Kennedy to do research, I knew that I wanted to spend my career at NASA. Being around our technology and brilliant employees inspires me.
Why does conducting research and developing new technology matter to you?
Research is trying to do new things and doing old things in a new way. To me, we are only advancing humanity if we continue to challenge our ideas of what we know. I want to leave this life knowing that I helped make Earth a better place. The only way I know how to do that is to keep trying to do everything better which means trying new things — which is research.
What is the most challenging problem you have overcome or are currently working on at NASA?
I just started my new job in February and was starting to become proficient. In May, the chief technologist had a really bad car accident and was suddenly unable to be here. As her deputy, I had to step up. It’s been challenging but fun. The good news is that she is okay and will be returning soon. It really motivates me to help Kennedy prepare for the retirement of our employees. We have such a wealth of information with our human capital, and we really need to work on succession planning if we want to maintain our knowledge base.
How do you think NASA benefits people on Earth?
My favorite example is that spaceflight research challenges us to learn to make optimal use of our resources — power, water, food, and air — and this is completely applicable to our challenges on Earth to maintain our precious resources.
Do you have any advice for people trying to foster innovation in their workplaces?
Always look to question why you do the things you do. Ask yourself constantly, “Is there a way I can do this better?” When faced with challenges, try to keep an open mind and consider several solutions. When I hear what sounds like a crazy idea, I try to consider how this idea could work instead of focusing on why it shouldn’t.
Last Updated: Feb. 21, 2019
Editor: Anna Heiney
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