Women at NASA are making history every day by contributing to groundbreaking missions and projects in the areas of space, science and aeronautics. They’re also dedicated to inspiring the next generation of explorers to break new boundaries. We’re celebrating Women’s History Month by recognizing their stories and contributions to exploration and beyond.
Ruth Amundsen is a thermal engineer who’s worked at NASA for nearly 30 years. Her day-to-day includes modeling systems of launch vehicles, entry vehicles and spacecraft on the computer.
Credits: NASA / David C. Bowman
Ruth Amundsen is a thermal engineer who’s worked at NASA for nearly 30 years. Her day-to-day includes modeling systems of launch vehicles, entry vehicles and spacecraft on the computer. Notably, she’s worked on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and also modeled the systems for SAGE III, a NASA Earth-observing instrument that is currently studying ozone in the Earth's stratosphere on the International Space Station. Amundsen has a bachelor’s degree in physics from Stanford University and dual master’s degrees from University of Michigan in materials science and aerospace engineering. As a thermal engineer, she uses her expertise to determine the maximum temperatures various vehicle components will reach during flight, and helps modify designs so vehicles and instruments will succeed thermally in space. She currently works at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.
Why do you think women are an important part of NASA?
I think NASA should reflect the racial and gender make-up of America. Women and men often think about problems differently and both perspectives are valuable in solving problems. I find working on a team more interesting when there is a blend of personalities, gender, racial types and ages, rather than everyone the same. Also, to keep all students interested in math, science and engineering, it is important for women and students of all races to see that they could get a job at NASA if they want.
Why would you encourage women/girls to pursue STEM careers?
It’s fun! It’s something you can do your whole life. It’s challenging. You meet interesting people, you get to travel and it stretches your mind. You usually get to do something different every day and you have a lot of control over what you do in your workday.
What piece of advice would you give to women and girls who want to work in STEM?
Believe in yourself, don’t be bothered too much if you look different than the people around you.
Meet more women of NASA: https://www.nasa.gov/women
Last Updated: March 6, 2020
Editor: Natalie Joseph
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