Stephanie Carrizales.
My credo has always been to take each day as it comes, remembering that preparation is key and that everything does not turn out the way you expect. I would never have expected to be working for NASA, but I have always known I wanted to be part of something special. My experiences as a co-op have turned out to be so much more!
Student Life and Co-op Beginnings
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Sitting in the STA cockpit |
I am a junior biomedical engineering major from Texas A&M University, but most importantly, I am the proudest member of the fightin' Texas Aggie class of 2007! WHOOP! I am a small town girl born and raised in Texas, but I quickly came to know Aggieland as my second home. While I am in school, I am involved in a few activities. I was the Director of External Affairs and Community Service Chair for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE); a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society; and a member of Project Sunshine, which is a volunteer organization that mentors and provides services to children with long-term illnesses and disabilities. Just like any other college student, I enjoy playing sports, listening to music, dancing, and watching movies.
There are so many paths to take in the bioengineering field, and that is the main reason I chose to pursue it. Still, I was undecided about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I needed first-hand experience to aid me in my quest, and what better way to help me decide than through full-time experience? It has always been my goal to co-op while I am in school, and I started searching early in my college career. I registered with the career center at my school because it is well established and is the primary source for companies to recruit students at A&M. I attended career fairs and talked to JSC representatives about co-op opportunities for biomedical engineers. I quickly realized that this was a place that would challenge me while providing opportunities for amazing learning experiences. Before I knew it, I was on my way to Houston, TX to begin my first co-op tour.
Co-op Adventures
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Space Monkeys after a successful softball season |
I began my first tour in the Biomedical Systems Division - Environmental and Health Monitoring Branch (EB3). Naturally I was nervous; and upon meeting my mentor, I came to find that there were so many people in my group to support me. The main project I was assigned entailed testing, analysis, and verification of a leak detector called the Ultrasonic Wireless Instrumentation System (Ultra-WIS). Another co-op and I worked together to understand the capabilities of the device; and although it was challenging, I had so much fun. It was a great accomplishment to leave the division knowing I had made such a significant impact on the progress of the hardware. Other projects I worked on included using Matlab for data analysis of the Martian Advanced Radiation Detection System (MARA) and the fabrication of medical kit mockup boxes for the CEV.
My second tour this summer will be spent in the Habitability and Human Factors Division working in the Graphics Research and Analysis Facility. What does this have to do with biomedical engineering, you ask? My task for this project is to build and articulate a human model of the Martian Exploration Suit to walk on a Martian terrain using computer graphics. This project also allows me to work with the Anthropometrics and Biomechanics Facility to obtain exact measurements and limitations on human join motions.
There is never a dull moment in the social life of a co-op. From trips to the beach, the movies, weekend camping trips, and Astros games; there are so many opportunities to meet people. We have a co-op softball, volleyball, and soccer team. As a co-op you can join committees that facilitate activities such as the social, tours and lectures, and housing committees. I have enjoyed touring many facilities on the JSC site and listening to people that have made a great impact on the world of space exploration such as Gene Krantz, the Apollo 13 flight director.
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Co-ops take the dance floor at salsa lessons |
Working at JSC allows me to challenge myself by exploring many aspects of my
academic course of study. The program requires completion of least three tours,
and the best part about it is the flexibility. We are able to choose where we
want to tour, and I have come to realize that it is a broad spectrum. I have
not only been exposed to projects that help me sharpen and develop skills I have
learned in school, but also give me the chance to learn things outside my course
work. Despite the delay in my graduation date, co-oping is absolutely worth it.
I know I will be refreshed when I return to school and eager to learn as much
as I can so that for my next co-op tour, I will be ready for new challenges.
If you are interested in co-oping or have any questions about the co-op program, feel free to email me at steph7985@tamu.edu or stephanie.m.carrizales@nasa.gov.
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