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Women’s History Month, Jennifer Cole

Women's History Month, Jennifer Cole
Women’s History Month, Jennifer Cole
NASA

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.

Interview Questions: 

  1. Tell us briefly about your work for NASA and when you first knew you wanted to join the agency.

My background is in aerospace engineering, and I currently work in the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate Project office at AFRC.  Before that, I worked in the Research and Engineering Directorate supporting both research and flight-based projects, including some aviation safety and DHS-sponsored activities.  I entered my junior year of college knowing I wanted to work for NASA. The allure of hands-on work and daily access to airplanes and hangars and a flight line is what drew me to Armstrong (then Dryden), even though it was on the other side of the country.

  1. How has your job shifted due to the global pandemic?

Full-time, at-home work is possible as a branch chief of project managers, but far from optimal. It’s difficult not seeing my team daily and in-person, and I miss having those impromptu interactions with the Armstrong family.  My husband and 2 children are also at home right now with us, and that’s a lot to juggle. 

  1. Have you overcome any challenges as a female to get where you are? 

I imagine a lot of my challenges were similar to that of others, regardless of gender. Student loans, fear of not being able to pass the classes, etc. I was one of very few females in the College of Engineering, and we stuck together. I had some excellent professors who openly mentored us on classes to take and places to work. I also experienced people who made it clear they didn’t think you deserved to be there, and your presence as a female in an engineering class was because of lowered expectations. I tried to ignore those people.

  1. Share with us any female role models who inspired you.

Marta Bohn-Meyer was a role model for me. I was a Project chief engineer during a time when she was the Center chief engineer, and I visited her several times. We’d talk about my upcoming Tech Brief, and then we’d segue into discussions about the future or other current challenges. I admired Marta because she was a force to be reckoned with, and she never made any apologies for that. She truly wanted only to see Dryden and our people succeed and do their best. 

  1. Share with us your favorite quote.

“Your attitude determines your altitude”. Marta also shared an equation with me, that essentially your salary + personal satisfaction must be greater than or equal to the daily *stuff* one must deal with. If that equation becomes untrue, then it’s time to look around. I still have that Post It in my office.

  1. What is your favorite part of your job?

As a branch chief, my favorite part of the job is giving someone an opportunity or providing insight that opens their eyes to their true potential.  As a chief engineer, my favorite part of the job was leading the team in tackling a tough challenge. I enjoy having open conversations with people about their insights and challenges and getting their perspectives. I always learn so much.

  1. Explain briefly the importance of education in your upbringing.

My father was the first in his family to attend college, so there was no question that I was going to college, too. We were taught to do our best, follow our heart, and the “bucks would come later”. I was brought up to appreciate traditional formal education, but college taught me to more fully embrace the value of hands-on learning, as well as apprenticeships/trade schools. There’s a lot to be said for advanced education that leads to hands-on job opportunities.

  1. Do you have any recommendations for others like yourself who may be contemplating a career at NASA.

If you’re a student, get some experience at NASA if you can. 3 or 6 months sounds like a lot when you’re a student, but it often makes a big difference in your career. If you’re already working full time and looking to make the switch, take a look at USAJobs and consider applying for a job.  An interview is a great way to learn more about what a NASA job is like.  I also recommend research into the Federal Employee Viewpoint survey.  NASA consistently comes out on top for Large Federal Agencies, and with good reason. 

  1. What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

It’s an opportunity to learn about the stories of all the women who have created the foundation we’re all standing on, and to appreciate their accomplishments. It’s also an opportunity to have the discussions around the unique challenges that women experience in the workplace.

  1. What do you wish you had known as a young female contemplating a career in engineering?

How much I would learn about myself in the various assignments.  I really relish the challenge of solving hard problems, and I love working with people with similar motivations and diverse backgrounds. I always learn so much. The fact that I get to do this in the aviation industry while working for NASA as a federal employee just adds to the satisfaction.

  1. What is your perspective on how the role of women in STEM has changed over your career?

Women are definitely more represented in STEM now, and it feels like the female pursuit of a STEM career has lost its stigma and is now embraced and openly encouraged. I can’t say it was openly encouraged when I was in high school or college, and I’m glad that has changed.

Author: Alana Roche’

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Last Updated
Jul 26, 2023