TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND/TRIBAL AFFILIATION/EDUCATION?
Yá’át’ééh (Hello), my name is Orson John originally from the Navajo Nation from the state of New Mexico. I am Diné (Navajo) and I work at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). I started my career as a summer intern, continued as a NASA Pathways student, and came to NASA full-time after college. I earned a bachelor of science degree in Physics in 2010 from New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology (NM Tech). I work as a Reliability Engineer in the Reliability & Risk Assessment Branch performing failure mode, fault and risk analyses for NASA spacecrafts and instruments. I have worked on several NASA projects throughout my career including ICESat-2/ATLAS, MAVEN, OSIRIS-Rex/OTES, and GEDI. I am currently supporting two NASA missions, the NASA-NOAA Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) system, and the LEMNOS mission: a laser communication project for the International Space Station and Orion. In addition to my day to day, I am also involved in Goddard’s Native American Advisory Committee (NAAC) and serve as the current chair, sharing my experience of growing up on the Navajo Nation Reservation, attending college, and participating in NASA programs. As a member of the NAAC, we work to promote programs and events that encourage the recruitment and participation of Native American individuals at Goddard, and encourage students to apply for the NASA internship and Pathways programs
HOW HAS THIS SHAPED YOU PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY?
Growing up on the Navajo Nation has shaped me personally by the teachings and principles my elders have taught me. These teachings can be summarized as remembering who I am, never forgetting where I come from, and knowing where I am going (having a goal, a dream). These teachings shaped me as they remind me of the importance of being a representative of my people, culture, and language. That I am here by those that came before me, my ancestors, my elders, my family, my teachers, and my mentors. Having these elements in my life keep me focused and motivated to keep working and keep striving for my dreams so it may help others. These teachings are carried into my professional career as it helps me to know we work as a team for the mission of NASA, the benefit all.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING FOR NASA?
There are so many favorite things about working for NASA, one of them is we work on the coolest missions, coolest technologies that are out of this world. Taking a step back in knowing what we worked on is out there orbiting the Earth, orbiting Mars, and even orbiting an asteroid. Even though those are the coolest things about NASA, the one thing I do enjoy the most, is the opportunity to give back to my community. NASA is there reaching the Native American population and communities. That is one of my most favorite things to do; let students know of opportunities NASA offers, for them to follow and pursue their dreams.
YOUR THOUGHTS ON STEM VERSUS STEAM EDUCATION?
It is important to incorporate the arts, it brings in the curiosity, unique flavor and style to the workforce.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG NATIVE AMERICANS SEEKING A CAREER IN A STEM FIELD?
Never stop learning. Appreciate reading and writing. Learn to write, writing is essential, take advantage of writing courses as they are beneficial for any STEM field.
Never forget who you are, where you come from, and have some goals, pursue your goals
#NativeAmericanHeritageMonth