[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 3 - 10:33:32 ]
Today's chat will be MODERATED to help Dionne keep up with our questions. This means only a few questions will be posted at a time in the chat room for Dionne to answer.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 4 - 10:34:32 ]
DON'T WORRY if you don't see your questions on your screen immediately. We will post new questions in the chat room every few minutes.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 5 - 10:36:20 ]
At the conclusion of today's chat, we ask that you take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us. Be sure to visit our NASA QuestChat Information Center, at http://quest.nasa.gov/qchats and use our "feedback" option to send your comments to us. We look forward to hearing from you today!

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 7 - 11:00:10 ]
Hello and welcome to today's Black History Month chat with Dionne Jackson from NASA Kennedy Space Center! The Materials Science Laboratory (MSL) supports KSC, other government agencies and aerospace contractors in developing and evaluating flight hardware and ground support materials and processes. Dionne Jackson is responsible for identifying and testing and metal alloys that are used as flight hardware and in supporting equipment and structures.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 8 - 11:00:34 ]
And now, here is Dionne Jackson to answer your questions.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 11 - 11:02:21 ]
RE: [Natalie] i am curious to know how you test the flight hardware, in general
It really depends on the material. I work in a Materials Science Lab and we perform all kinds of tests depending on the nature of the sample that is delivered to our laboratory. There are also contractor labs that test the material for flight hardware also.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 12 - 11:02:57 ]
RE: [Terri] Do you want to be an astronaught?
No ma'am. I prefer to be in the background.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 13 - 11:03:17 ]
Please continue submitting your questions to us for Dionne. We will post a few questions in the chat room every few minutes.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 15 - 11:04:36 ]
RE: [melissaandameesha] hello we are from jefferson elementary school henderson, ky
Welcome Melissa and Ameesha. Dionne Jackson is ready to take your questions!

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 17 - 11:05:03 ]
Hi melissa and Ameesha.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 19 - 11:05:39 ]
RE: [Meagan] Is Mars colder than Earth?
Yes Meagan. Mars is much colder than Earth.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 21 - 11:06:38 ]
RE: [Rachael] Will you be on the mission to Mars?
Rachel, I will not directly be on the mission to Mars. However, I am participating in a research project for one of the Mars missions.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 22 - 11:07:25 ]
RE: [Logan] Did you ever want to change your mind about being an astronaut?
Logan, I don't think that I will change my mind about becoming an astronaut. My place is in the background, helping out.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 25 - 11:08:28 ]
EVERYONE, Dionne Jackson is NOT an astronaut. We also ask that you visit our Space Scientists Online site at http://quest.nasa.gov/sso to learn about Mars, and chat with scientists who are involved in studying Mars.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 26 - 11:08:56 ]
RE: [Leigh] What do you think happened to the Mars explorer?
Leigh, I really don't know.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 29 - 11:10:47 ]
RE: [vicki/HollyGlen] Hi Dionne! Vicki here, sitting in for my fourth grade daughter while she's in school. She is doing a project on Apoll 11 and gave me some questions for you. Are the materials used today on flight hardware very different from that used on Apollo 11?
The materials used for the shuttle program and those used for Apollo are different. However, the same facilities to process and launch the shuttle, with modifications, are being used .

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 31 - 11:11:54 ]
RE: [vicki/HollyGlen] Have you ever worked with materials brought back from the moon?
No Vicki, I have not. I have worked with a rock found in a New York resident's backyard. She claimed that the rock was from the moon.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 32 - 11:12:33 ]
RE: [EdisonMiddleSchool] Hello Mrs. Jackson. I am Lauren Meehan of Edison Middle School in West Orange, NJ. I wanted to know when you realized you wanted to work at NASA.
Hi Lauren. When I was in high school.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 37 - 11:13:51 ]
RE: [Chris] Why do want to travel to all 50 states and to Europe?
Hi Chris. I want to see all that America is as well as Europe. I want to see the different cultures and customs.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 38 - 11:14:48 ]
RE: [EdisonMiddleSchool] I know you are a CHEMIST, but does your job require some other type of scientific background?
No. Just Chemistry.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 41 - 11:15:25 ]
RE: [Terri] Dionne we read your bio and my students from Jones lane elementary school said that your advice was read! read! read! thanks from a sp.ed tchr. Terri
Hi Terry. I tutor on Tuesdays and I continue to stress the importance of reading.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 42 - 11:15:38 ]
RE: [Aztecs] Where here from montgomery high school and we are excited to know more about you.
Hi Aztecs.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 45 - 11:17:33 ]
RE: [melissaandameesha] What kind of specific things have you done in your laboratory?
We see all kinds of samples in this laboratory. We have seen sweat from the astronauts, string used to sew the blankets, mop water as a possible contaminant to computer systems, etc. The list goes on. We analyze normal stuff and weird stuff.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 46 - 11:18:07 ]
RE: [Elizabeth] What is your favorite planet?
Hi Elizabeth. I don't have a favorite planet. Do you have one?

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 47 - 11:18:31 ]
RE: [Meagan] Have they really found water in space?
No, not yet.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 48 - 11:18:55 ]
RE: [Aztecs] During high school what was your grade point average?
3.7

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 51 - 11:19:29 ]
RE: [vicki/HollyGlen] By the same facilities do you mean the launch pad and towers?
the launch pad, the control tower and the processing facilities.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 52 - 11:19:57 ]
RE: [Ian] What is your favorite part of your job?
Hi Ian. My co-workers.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 53 - 11:20:24 ]
RE: [Aztecs] When you knew first what you wanted to be, did you know about all of the hard work you would have to do to get to where you are know?
Yes. I knew that it would be hardwork.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 58 - 11:22:32 ]
RE: [vicki/HollyGlen] Are any lunar materials still being studied? And now I'm curious, why did the woman in NY think the rock was from the moon?
Vicki, What do you mean by lunar materials? I think she more than hoped it would be from outer space. It was just a regular rock.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 59 - 11:23:00 ]
RE: [LEIGH] If you were not working for NASA what other job would you be doing?
I would be teaching Chemistry.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 62 - 11:23:52 ]
RE: [LoganandCarrie] Did you ever have any doubts on your job as a kid?
Hi Logan and Carrie. Yes, I had doubts. I initally wanted to be a lawyer, then a Spanish teacher.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 66 - 11:24:30 ]
RE: [Aztecs] What advice could you give for someone who wants to follow in your foot steps?
Don't be afraid to work hard and set goals.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 67 - 11:25:37 ]
RE: [EdisonMiddleSchool] Mrs. Jackson, it says in your biography that you want to visit all the 50 states and Europe. How exactly do you plan to do this?
Oh. through cross-country driving. I have always wanted to take the Amtrak across country. I am not exactly sure yet, but I will do it.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 68 - 11:27:24 ]
RE: [Aztecs] when you say "read, read and read!!!", what exactly do you recomend to read?
My first preference is the Bible. After that, school books are very important. And, you must make time for play, so leisure reading is a must. Reading often, increases your knowledge and ability to communicate effectively.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 71 - 11:28:26 ]
RE: [LoganandCarrie] Do you have any kids/
Not exactly. My husband and I take care of his 94-year-old Aunt. Her name is Jessie and we have had her for almost two years.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 72 - 11:28:42 ]
RE: [melissaandameesha] How old are you?
I am 30.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 74 - 11:29:49 ]
RE: [Elizabeth] The class was wondering what kind os salary does someone in your postition make?
The government works on a grad/step system. Currently, I am a 13/4, about 65k/year.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 75 - 11:30:14 ]
RE: [LoganandCarrie] How long have you been a scientist
10 years

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 76 - 11:31:59 ]
RE: [Chris/GRAPCEP] Do you have any racial problems while you're at work?
Chris, I work in a unique group. Our racial backgrounds are very diverse as well as our ages. I am the youngest and the oldest is 72. I have to admit, that I have never experienced any kind of racial problems with my co-workers. I am very blessed to belong to this particular group of scientists.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 81 - 11:32:53 ]
RE: [HuongDee/GRAPCEP] You mention about going to all the 50 states and Europe, what about Africa?
Hi. I would love to also visit Africa.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 86 - 11:35:17 ]
RE: [EdisonMiddleSchool] What states in the United States have you visited so far?
GA, AL, SC, NC, CA,AZ, NV, NY, OH, KT, TN, TX, MI, LA, PA, VA, WV, RI, MD, and I am going to Wisconsin tomorrow to visit a friend.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 87 - 11:35:39 ]
RE: [Sharda/GRAPCEP] Do you travel a lot for your job?
Hi Sharda. I travel about 3 times a year.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 88 - 11:36:28 ]
RE: [HuongDee/GRAPCEP] Why did you decide to become a chemist?
I had an excellent high school Chemistry teacher. She made Chemistry and learning fun.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 89 - 11:36:48 ]
RE: [Aztecs] Have you ever thought about changing your career?
No. I am happy right now.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 90 - 11:37:01 ]
RE: [HuongDee/GRAPCEP] When do you plan to work on your Ph.D?
This fall.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 91 - 11:37:22 ]
RE: [Aztecs] What does your husband think about your job?
Brian loves that he has a working wife.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 94 - 11:38:59 ]
RE: [Aztecs] Is it difficult to lmanage your job in NASA?
Most days it's not. There are times when a difficult problem comes up and several of us have to get together to come up with a solution.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 98 - 11:40:00 ]
RE: [Aztecs] How do you guide or mentor young girls?
That's a difficult question. It really depends on the individual. The one thing that I let them all know is that they can achieve if they work hard and set goals.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 99 - 11:40:14 ]
RE: [Sharda/GRAPCEP] While you were growing up who was your greatest influence?
My parents.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 100 - 11:41:24 ]
RE: [EdisonMiddleSchool] In your biography it talks about your future plans for the Mars project. What kind of materials are you testing for the "Martian environment?"
Currently, we are testing a simulated Martian soil. It is a soil identical to the Martian environment, but it was taken from a volcano in Hawaii.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 101 - 11:42:01 ]
RE: [EdisonMiddleSchool] In your biography it talks about your future plans for the Mars project. What kind of materials are you testing for the "Martian environment?"
We are also testing different materials such as metals and plastics.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 102 - 11:42:20 ]
RE: [melissaandameesha] What is your favorite book?
The Bible and mysteries.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 106 - 11:44:05 ]
RE: [Aztecs] What was the NASA SHARP program about?
An eight-week program for high school students. The student works with a mentor on a particular research project. At the conclusion of the program, a paper is written as well as the research is orally presented to parents, teachers, peers and NASA management.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 107 - 11:44:25 ]
As a reminder, visit our NASA QuestChat Information Center at http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/qchats to send your comments about today's chat to us. We look forward to hearing from you!

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 108 - 11:46:09 ]
RE: [HuongDee/GRAPCEP] Do you have any plans to visit any high schools? Would you be able to come visit our school, Iroquois Middle School, Grand Rapids, Michigan?
I wish I could visit your school, however we don't have money to travel that far to schools. I do give talks locally though. If I am ever in the vicinity, be it vacation or for work, I will visit.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 112 - 11:46:49 ]
RE: [Aztecs] Since you love to travel, here's an open invitation to come to California, specially San Diego and Montgomery High!
If I am ever there on vacation or for work, I will drop in. That's a promise.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 113 - 11:47:06 ]
RE: [HuongDee/GRAPCEP] You sound very religious, how important is your religion to you?
God and my faith are very important to me.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 116 - 11:48:26 ]
RE: [Terri] Hey you haven't been to Washington DC yet, come to our elementary school in MD. We would love to understand how chemistry relates to the space program. terri
Yes, I have been to DC. It was years ago. I would love to visit your school, but we don't have travel money for school visits.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 117 - 11:49:04 ]
RE: [Aztecs] WHat are the highlights and hardships of your career?
The highlight is working for NASA. The hardship is that I commute every day from Daytona (about 65 miles).

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 120 - 11:49:45 ]
RE: [LoganandCarrie] Why is reading so important to you?
I have always loved to read. You can find out about life and people through books.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 121 - 11:50:00 ]
RE: [EdisonMiddleSchool] [Lauren]Have you lived anywhere besides Daytona?
No. Daytona is my home.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 122 - 11:50:15 ]
RE: [Terri] Hi Mrs. Jackson, Do the children you mentor ever get to help you on a science project?
Yes.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 127 - 11:51:01 ]
RE: [Aztecs] Who were your role models?
My parents, my Aunt Maxine and my high school Chemistry teacher.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 128 - 11:51:42 ]
RE: [Aztecs] Do you think you have achieved all of your goals by working at NASA?
No. I have other goals, but I am happy with where I am in life right now.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 129 - 11:52:11 ]
RE: [Aztecs] When you decided to be a chemist did you know where you wanted to work?
No. At the time I did not know that I wanted to work for NASA.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 132 - 11:53:05 ]
RE: [Sharda/GRAPCEP] Hi Dionne,it is nice to see how good Arican Americans are doing in life. How do you feel about it?
How do I feel about being African-American or to work for NASA? I feel great to both.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 135 - 11:53:55 ]
RE: [Aztecs] Was it hard for you to prove that a women could handle high tech job?
I think it was harder for me to prove to myself that I could handle working for NASA than to prove it to others.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 136 - 11:54:24 ]
RE: [HuongDee/GRAPCEP] What was your hardest subject in school, and how did you overcome any difficulties with the subject?
Physics. I prayed and studied a lot.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 137 - 11:54:39 ]
RE: [melissaandameesha] Do you have any sisters and brothers?
I have four sisters.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 142 - 11:56:07 ]
RE: [Aztecs] What parts of Europe would you like to visit? why?
France, England, Ireland, Spain, etc.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 143 - 11:57:44 ]
RE: [Aztecs] How do you support local schools?
I judge Science Fairs and I give talks concerning the space shuttle program, what I do at NASA and African-American Astronauts.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 144 - 11:58:14 ]
RE: [Sharda/GRAPCEP] How did your achievements spread throughout the world?
I did not know that they had.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 145 - 11:58:30 ]
RE: [Aztecs] Who's your favorite author?
I don't have one.

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 146 - 11:59:20 ]
RE: [melissaandameesha] When you come to henderson, ky will you drop by Jefferson Elementary? pleas
Yes. How far are you from Milligan College (Johnson City, TN)?

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 147 - 12:00:34 ]
RE: [Aztecs] Which state would you like to visit in the United States the most?
Washington, because I have an Uncle who lives in Spanaway.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 149 - 12:00:55 ]
This concludes today's Black History Month chat with Dionne Jackson from NASA Kennedy Space Center. We would like to thank everyone for joining us for today's chat, and especially thank Dionne for her sharing her time and career experience and expertise, and thoughtful responses to our questions. THANK YOU, Dionne!

[ DionneJackson/KSC - 150 - 12:01:16 ]
RE: [Terri] Bye Mrs.Jackson, thank you for your time and answering our questions. william, heather, robert, linda, john, katrina, edwin, daniel, joe and terri (:
No problem. Hope to talk to you all again.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 151 - 12:01:38 ]
As a final reminder, please visit our NASA QuestChat Information Center at http://quest.nasa.gov/qchats and select our "feedback" option to send your comments about today's chat to us.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 152 - 12:02:39 ]
We invite you to join our next Black History Month chat with Janis Davis-Street, form NASA Johnson Space Center. Learn more about Janis' and other Black History Month chats with NASA experts at http://quest.nasa.gov/qchats/special/mlk00.

[ Oran/NASAChatHost - 153 - 12:04:05 ]
We hope you have enjoyed today's chat with Dionne Jackson, and thank you again for joining us. Have a good day!

[ Aztecs - 154 - 12:04:55 ]
Bye Mrs. Jackson, a thank you for your time.