Name: Yaireska M. Collado-Vega
Title: Physical scientist
Organization: Code 674, Space Weather Laboratory, Heliophysics Science Division, Space and Exploration Directorate
After a journey of 10 difficult years, Yaireska M. Collado-Vega achieved her dream of becoming a scientist at Goddard.
How did you come to Goddard?
I grew up in Puerto Rico. I got an undergraduate degree in theoretical physics from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez.
I always wanted to be a scientist for NASA. I always loved the many mysteries of the universe. I’m very curious.
I came to Goddard in 2003 as a summer intern and was introduced to space physics, including space weather. By then space physics was a relatively new field. I was amazed by the space weather aspects of it and I decided that I wanted to stay and work at Goddard.
In 2004, I started at Goddard as a Cooperative Education Program student, now called Pathways Program. I alternated working six months at Goddard and then six months in Puerto Rico to finish my first master’s in physics from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez.
It was hard. I moved every six months for several years. I rented my furniture.
In 2007, I got my first master’s, relocated permanently to this area and began working at Goddard while studying for my second master’s in physics and a doctorate in space physics from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
I bought a house here in 2011. I do not plan on moving again for a while.
In 2013, I got my doctorate and started working full time at Goddard. After 10 years, I achieved my dream of working as a scientist at Goddard in the Heliophysics Science Division.
During those 10 years, what kept you motivated and focused?
I wanted to be a permanent employee, a scientist at Goddard. I needed to work hard for it. It was quite a journey! Anyone can do what I did if they just work hard. My family and friends always supported me.
When I first moved here, I was very lonely. I didn’t live near anyone I knew and my lifelong friends and family were thousands of miles away. It was very hard. At one point, I thought about quitting. But I’m no quitter and I was very determined to finish what I had started.
How did growing up in Puerto Rico make you who you are today?
Puerto Rico is an amazing place to grow up. The culture is very different than here in the U.S., even though PR is part of the U.S.
My family taught me that family always comes first and that you always could achieve whatever you wanted if you worked hard for it. I grew up with two loving parents that worked very hard to give their children a good education and I am forever grateful for their sacrifice. Also, I have two amazing siblings, a sister and a brother, who have amazing careers and have always supported me no matter what. Thank you!
What is the one thing you would tell somebody who wanted to start a career at Goddard?
It can be difficult, but it is definitely possible. Just set your mind on what you want and go for it! Don’t be scared of anything. Take every opportunity you have and say yes.
Who is the most interesting, inspiring or amazing person you have met or worked with at Goddard or the universities you have attended?
At the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, I had amazing professors who helped me get where I am today. In particular, I would like to thank Dr. Jose R. López and Dr. Pablo Marrero. They believed in me, even when I did not believe in myself.
At Catholic University, I would like to thank Dr. Steven Kramer, Dr. Duilia De Mello, and all my physics professors. They all helped me to be a better student and become a better scientist.
At Goddard I want to thank four people in particular who helped me through this journey. Dr. Ramona Kessel introduced me to space physics and was also my first mentor. Dr. Melvyn Goldstein was one of my early supervisors and always pushed me to be excellent. Dr. Adolfo Figueroa-Viñas always encouraged me even when I had doubts. Dr. David Sibeck always helped me to get my research out there and supported me for many years. Without any of these people, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.
Also, I would like to thank the CCMC/SWRC team. They are an amazing team to be part of and I have great bosses who definitely inspire me every day.
Thank you all!
Do you have a favorite way or place to kick back, relax or have fun?
I love to cook, particularly Puerto Rican specialties like mofongo and piñon, which are both prepared with plantains, and carne mechada, a very special meat stew.
Someday, I want to open up a small Puerto Rican restaurant. You don’t find many Puerto Rican restaurants around here.
What is your “six-word memoir?”
Friendly, sincere, determined, motivated, curious, thankful.
Part One of Yaireska’s interview
Read more Conversations With Goddard
Also read about what our people do Outside Goddard