When Larry Greer was a kid, he found an article in Scientific American describing how to make a laser. His mom got nervous.
“She went to my chemistry teacher because she was worried I’d burn my eyes out,” says Greer with a grin. “After he gave her the okay, I built it. And many other things over the years.”
That seems to be a theme when you Meet the Makers of NASA Glenn. Many were kids who wanted to tinker and fix things or do ambitious building projects in their basements and garages.
Like many NASA engineers, Greer was mentored by good science teachers who recognized his talent. After college studies at Cornell and a master’s from Howard University, he ended up at NASA Glenn building useful, sophisticated research equipment.
For example, when Greer developed a saltation probe for the Martian Aqueous Habitat Reconnaissance Suite (MAHRS), he needed a way to test it. So he built a wind tunnel near his workbench.
he talented makers at NASA Glenn have this in common: they find solutions and fix things. Join us over the next few months as we profile several makers who are advancing NASA’s research and technology.
Meet the Makers
NASA has a history of advancing science and exploration because our engineers, scientists and technologists find new solutions to meet mission goals. These “makers” take a hands-on approach to move research forward by thinking outside the box. Learn about other innovators at NASA Glenn.
Nancy Smith Kilkenny, ATS
NASA Glenn Research Center
