The highlight of this past week of ISM was my interview with John Harkins. We also discussed possible original works ideas, including researching propulsion issues due to gravity, the possibility and functionality of establishing a launch station on the moon to go to mars, researching the effects of zero gravity on astronauts (trip to mars will take 16 months), looking into possible redesigning of equipment in order to make it weigh less and take up less space because the available space restricts ISS repairs.
Our meeting inspired me to search out for engineering programs near me and I even joined SWE NEXT, a K-12 chapter of SWE (Society of Women Engineers). I am currently looking into more programs that will get me exposure to aerospace engineering like the Women in Engineering Program at UT.
The interview also emphasized my need to explore computer science now or at least during my first couple of years in college because every engineering field requires some programming background. I plan on looking into C++, Java, and Python.
I plan on reaching out to a Liberty student who did aerospace engineering last year: Neha Bhaskar. She can give me a lot of insight into her experience last year and help me brainstorm other avenues for my original work. Mr. Harkins will also email me the contact information of his previous boss at Boeing. She was very enthusiastic whenever his previous ISM student set up interviews with her.
Now that I’ve had three interviews, I really plan on narrowing my next two to professionals in the astronautical side. They will give me the most insight into the specific career I want to look into. I am going to keep in touch and follow up with DeAdrian Maddox, who used to work at NASA, Armstrong Ekpete, and John Harkins so I have more professional connections into the aerospace world.