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 Patricia Velandia of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida:
What do you do at NASA?
I work at Kennedy in the Exploration Research and Technology Directorate. I’m an engineer supporting the Mass Spectrometer observing lunar operations (MSolo) project that will send a mass spectrometer to the Moon to measure water and other volatiles on the lunar surface. I work hands-on with test and flight units, assembling and testing hardware as well as analyzing test data.
What has been your biggest accomplishment or favorite project of your career so far?
My favorite project has definitely been the MSolo project! It’s really something special to be able to work on something that will land on the Moon and enable human space exploration for the future. It is also a privilege to work with such a brilliant team of people.
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 always really enjoyed math growing up, and I had great teachers who encouraged me all throughout school. I also fell in love with chemistry when I got to college so chemical engineering seemed like the perfect fit for me. I wanted to do something practical and fulfilling, as well as something that would benefit others. I was thrilled when I got the opportunity to work for NASA!
My advice for girls who are interested in pursuing a STEM career is to not give up, especially if you think you aren’t good enough. Consistency and practice are far more important than natural talent. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a good teacher.
What are you looking forward to most about the future at NASA?
I am looking forward to seeing humans explore the Moon once again and beyond! The day is fast-approaching and I am so grateful and excited that I can contribute to missions that will one day make this a reality.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Two of my favorite hobbies right now are learning to play the piano and playing around on aerial silks!
What’s the last book you read or a podcast you’ve been listening to?
As someone who is both a Christian and in the STEM field, I’m really interested in learning all I can about the Bible and its history, context, and different literary styles. So, I spend a lot of time outside work reading and listening to podcasts about it! For anyone who is interested in learning about the Bible, my favorite podcast right now is called “The Bible Project.”
Who inspires you?
My parents are a big inspiration to me. They emigrated from Colombia to the United States for a better life and worked hard to make that possible for me and my brother. They’re both strong and have been a wonderful support system throughout my entire life.
