Cody Burkhart...
I am outgoing, caring, blunt, a fan of music and dancing, and an even bigger fan of finding the good in every day. and NASA is perfect for me.
Just to entertain you before you read about my life consider this.
"Chuck Norris once bet NASA he could survive re-entry without a spacesuit. On July 19th, 1999, a naked Chuck Norris re-entered the earth's atmosphere, streaking over 14 states and reaching a temperature of 3000 degrees. An embarrassed NASA publicly claimed it was a meteor, and still owes him a beer." My School:
I attend the University of Colorado at Boulder and am double majoring in Aerospace
and Mechanical Engineering with minors in applied math and leadership skills.
I picked CU not just for its phenomenal aerospace program, but for its gorgeous
campus, close proximity to the mountains, the sunrise over the flatirons, and
the fact that in-state tuition is so much cheaper (hehe). As a side note I am
also a varsity cheerleader for the school; and, with all of this, Boulder has
become my home.
How did I become a CO-OP?
This rather long story began with the
desire that I had to be a fighter pilot and attend the Air force Academy located
in Colorado Springs, CO. Yet, after having to get glasses my junior year of high
school I had to find a different way to get on what was my eventual goal, the
shuttle, and still be able to be around jets. I figured if I couldn't fly them,
then why not build them. As such, I began working toward majoring in aerospace
engineering and was accepted to CU. While there I was diligent in creating a
resume that I could use at any time if I found a company on, or near, campus
that might want me to intern. The University was very keen on having career days
and NASA happened to attend one such day that I arrived at with resume in hand.
I went through an interview the next day and was told I received a job while
at college national's for cheer a few months later.
Initially I rejected the opportunity, fearing that it would put me too far behind
in my classes, but in the end my goals and dreams for life conquered my uncertainties.
I accepted about 4 weeks before I was to report for work, I cut it close but
since then I have never looked back with regret.
What do I do here at NASA?
My first and second tour - consider it one long tour
I work in the Automation, Robotics, and Simulation Division assigned to the intelligent systems branch and I work on a project called S.C.O.U.T. which stands for Science Crew Operations Utility Testbed. This vehicle is basically the test bed for the next generation mars/lunar human and robotic-drivable rover. I am in charge of designing vehicle parts and mechanical and hydraulic systems to overcome issues or enhance the vehicle. I also help design some electronic systems, including on board sound, and I am the self-proclaimed "Czar of the tool chest." Lastly, I was trained on the use of Pro/Engineer and its mechanical systems functions to design movable parts and test them before construction. I also train in the machine shop to help in the fabrication of my part designs. Therefore, I can be a part of the entire process from design to creation, and there is nothing more exciting than bolting on a part that you made to a vehicle designed to one day down the road go out of this world!
What do I do OUTSIDE of NASA?
Most importantly, one must consider that in the cosmos balance must be created, so when you work hard you must play hard. As such I begin my free time every day with about 2 hours of working out at the gym just off site and I love every second of the wincing pain that comes from weight training. Then when I would normally go home to a stack full of homework I go home to have fun. Whether it's a movie at home or in the theatre, miniature golf, laser tag, softball, or just playing with my kitten Romeo at the house there is always something to do here. And if you don't want to do anything, sleep comes without guilt of not finishing and assignment due the next day. Basically, work can be seen as a paid vacation and who doesn't love those. Lastly, I most enjoy the weather because back at home it's snowing and cold, and here it's sunny and shorts are my best friend.
Long live the fun of being a rocket scientist, it doesn't just sound cool. it is!
. ..If you have any other questions please contact me at cody.burkhart@colorado.edu or call me at 303.478.3404.
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