|
   |
 |
                 
|
Julie Williams-Byrd
I began working at NASA Langley Research Center in 1986. I worked as a contractor
for two years before becoming a civil servant. This was my first real job
after college and my title was Electro-Optics Engineer. Wow!!! Was I ever
impressed with that title. Once I had obtained this job, after six years
of college and grunt work, I realized that I had finally achieved my dream.
I received BS and MS degrees in Physics from Hampton Institute/University
in 1984 and 1986 respectively. During graduate school, my research emphasis
was on lasers and optics.
As a civil servant, I currently work as an Electronics Engineer, Aero-Space
Technologist (AST) in the Remote Sensing Technology Branch (RSTB) of the
Internal Operations Group (IOG). The Branch mission is to design and develop
solid-state laser systems for monitoring atmospheric species and state parameters
from ground, air and space platforms. Basically this means that we design
and build custom made lasers to investigate the makeup of the atmosphere.
You are welcome to visit RSTBıs web site: Remote
Sensing Technology Branch (http://AESD.LARC.NASA.GOV/GL/GLF.html)
I have been designing and building lasers for quite some time now and I
have encountered many different aspects of laser design. I have worked on
lasers that flew on the shuttle and flown on airplanes. I recently headed
up a program where a solid-state laser was developed to measure wind velocity.
By measuring wind velocity, scientist and meteorologist can more accurately
predict weather and natural weather phenomena like hurricanes.
I wish that I could say that I knew early on in life that I wanted to become
a scientist or engineer. That would not be the truth. My career goals had
changed a lot when I was growing up. During high school, I thought that
I wanted to become a judge. At that time I thought that Thurgood Marshall
(the first African-American judge appointed to the Supreme Court) was the
coolest person in the world, and I wanted to be like him. Until one day
my father suggested that I pursue a career in engineering; and, because
my father was the most intelligent person in the world, I did just what
he suggested. Dad knew that I was good in math and enjoyed trying to figure
out how things work. So, in my senior year of high school, I dumped the
idea of becoming a judge and pursued engineering. Well, to make a long story
short, I am an engineer and I really enjoy what I do. I guess the moral
of the story is not to sweat the career thing. Take your time to decide
what you want to do, determine what things you are good in and use that
as a tool to decide your career goals.
Sometimes I think that science fiction movies have given scientists a bad
name. The perception of scientists are that they work in laboratories by
themselves and do not interact with people. People think that scientists
are nerds and they don't do cool things. Well, I'm here to tell you that
is not true. In my job, I do a lot of traveling to all parts of the country
to attend technical conferences. I travel to different colleges to recruit
new employees. I go to career days at various high schools. Everyone within
RSTB works together to design lasers, and investigate problems that may
occur. Everyone within RSTB works together to design lasers, and investigate
problems that may occur. We interact with the atmospheric science community,
our primary customers, in support of their research. We advocate the work
we do and promote its benefits for the betterment of the country. Thus,
scientist/engineers are really well rounded people.
My favorite aspect of this job is interacting with young people. I have
mentored intelligent young people who are in high school and college. It
is truly refreshing to work with these folks, because they are always full
of energy and new ideas. They keep me motivated. I also occasionally go
out to area schools to do science demonstrations or talk about the work
I do here at NASA Langley Research Center.
While the science/engineer careers are still male dominated, more and more
women have entered in the workforce. I always encourage young women where
ever I go to pursue a career in science, it is truly fascinating. To that
end, during my term (1993 - 1996) as a Langley Federal Women's Program Committee
(FWPC) member I enjoyed working with other women to identify and address
our needs within the working environment. Issues like flexible work hours,
child care facilities and health issues are just some of the areas that
have been addressed. And although these issues may be women orientated,
men benefit also because they are an integral part of the family.
I often encourage young women not to put any limitations on their career
choices. In this day and age, all career fields are wide open. I encourage
young women to pursue a career in science or engineering, because it is
one way you can impact society and have fun along the way.
Philosophy: "All things are possible!"
Archive of chats with Julie:
[HOME] [PROFILES] [WOMEN OF THE WORLD] [SPANISH] [CHATS] [TEACH] [RESOURCES] Credits and Contacts |
||
|
|
|
