The George Washington University
Washington, DC
Electrical Engineering, Mathematics
Bachelor of Science, Masters of Science
NASA Academy 2007 Operations Manager
Education
Since the age of 3, I have always had an interest in space, communications, robotics, and public policy. How do you mix that? Easy — you study all of them as I realized that I can link my passions into an exciting calling. Earlier mentors and instructors appreciated my curiosity and openness to study different topics; they encouraged me to go into research. Along the way I decided to go into Electrical Engineering. Advances in areas like communications networks, GPS, wireless, and anything digital really make the world a more functional place. Could you live without your GPS, iPhone, or wireless device? Thank an Electrical Engineer for that!
Experience
have worked with the space industry since I was in junior high school and had the pleasure to work with fantastic experts that became lifelong career coaches. I have expertise in satellite communications engineering and nonprofit management as well as technical public affairs knowledge. I served as a part-time Research Associate with NASA Glenn with a focus on Ka-Band Atmospheric Calibration where I conducted statistical analysis of Ka-Band attenuation time series in support of designing Next Generation Deep-Space Network Antennas supporting NASA Ka-band communication links to near Earth (Moon) and deep space (Mars).
I also served as a Research Associate with the NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center and The John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, where I conducted a requirement assessment for designing the System Engineering Conceptual Design Laboratory (SE Lab). Additionally, as a NASA Academy research associate at NASA Marshall Spaceflight Center, I spearheaded a study on Artificial Intelligence technologies for future spacecraft vehicles. I investigated AI Bayesian and neural networks techniques for tracking and docking space vehicles purposes.
Early in my career, I worked on communication systems at NASA Glenn. My most notable position was when I was a part of the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite Program (ACTS) in its last phases of the mission. I provided satellite communication engineering, mission planning, and technical advice on the health, status, and command and control for the ACTS spacecraft with its engineers and experimenters.
Extra-Curricular Activities
I have served as President for NASA Academy Alumni Association since Dec 2006, prior to that I was our Vice President of Operations. My professional activities include active memberships in the Society of Satellite Professionals, The George Washington Space Society, and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineer. I have an interest in different languages and cultures (Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish in the future) and I love practicing with Toastmasters International when I can. I also enjoy recruiting young professionals and students — especially young women — to appreciate Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. During my off-peak hours, you can also find me tuned in to politics and public policies (a lot of CNN, CSPAN, and Washington Post), reading great mystery books, and running. I love relaxing while watching a classic movie.
