For Women’s History Month, we asked some of the NASA women who work on Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) missions about their backgrounds and goals. Meet Marissa Garcia of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
What do you do at NASA?
I am a combustion devices engineer working in the propulsion department at NASA Marshall. I am actively engaged in the manufacturing and testing of combustion chambers for NASA, including the Space Launch System RS-25 engine and the Rapid Analysis and Manufacturing Propulsion Technology (RAMPT) project.
What has been your biggest accomplishment or favorite project of your career so far?
My favorite project has been leading a hot-fire test program for additively manufactured rocket engine components at the 40,000-pound thrust level. I work with both NASA engineers and commercial manufacturing companies to manufacture chambers, injectors, and nozzles. We will be hot-fire testing these components in the coming months, which will help advance novel additive manufacturing processes and materials for rocket engine component application.
How did you become interested in working in a STEM field? What advice do you have for girls looking to pursue a career in a STEM?
I first found my spark for engineering when I visited my engineer dad at work. He showed me an actual Darth Vader helmet displayed in the White Sands Missile Range Museum in New Mexico. The description said that the museum, in collaboration with NASA, had generated some of the spaceship sound effects used in “Star Wars.” My dad had always encouraged me to pursue engineering. In my 8-year-old mind, the Darth Vader helmet was a symbol for STEM, and engineering was my pathway to being “one with the Force.” Now as an engineer, I enjoy the challenges and diverse projects that the field presents. I get to hone my expertise, and at the same time, learn something new every day from my peers.
For students interested in STEM, my advice is to not be afraid of making mistakes. Do the best you can, do your research, and have fun safely learning along the way. STEM is full of experiments and analysis. Making mistakes while in school will help prevent making larger mistakes later.
What are you looking forward to most about the future at NASA?
I’m looking forward to the continuation and growth of partnerships across NASA, industry, and academia. It is important for NASA, in collaboration with industry partners and academia, to develop and advance technology for the public to utilize. Working at NASA, we are right in the middle of the action. It’s exciting to actively support our partners and to experience all the amazing things happening in the aerospace community.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I actually know some sign language. My mom was a teacher for hearing impaired students and she taught me some sign language growing up.
What’s the last book you read or a podcast you’ve been listening to?
The last book I read was “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir. The last podcast I listened to was the BBC News Global News Podcast– I listen to it daily.
Who inspires you?
My mom inspires me. She really is the strongest, kindest, most faith-filled person I know. She was an elementary school teacher for over 35 years and I got to witness firsthand the impact she made in her students’ lives. She even taught and mentored the kids of former students! She is my favorite teacher and I of course am her favorite student (or maybe tied with my brother). I strive to be an impactful mentor and teacher in the STEM field as my mom was in the education field with her students.
