Robby Mendoza...

Before I got here:
I am junior Electrical Engineering major from San Antonio, TX, and a proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2008!!! A-A-A-Whoop!!! During my first two years at Texas A&M I had been involved in two main organizations: Hispanic Presidents’ Council and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. I came into A&M as an EE major and continue to pursue that degree.

How I got here:
I attended the career fair at school and spoke with Anne Roemer about the co-op program. A few days later I got an interview and then later found out I received a co-op position. From the time I found out I had been looking forward to starting my first tour at JSC. Taking a co-op position does set your academic career back a few semesters, but the experiences possible are well worth it.

My first tour:
Currently, I work in the Communications and Tracking Division of the ISS side of Mission Operations Directorate. I deal with the transfer of data from the International Space Station to ground. This data can involve anything from video to essential flight information. I am also working to become command certified, and eventually work in mission control. Don’t worry about not knowing something, because there are plenty of people willing to explain what you need.

The co-op life:
Moving to Houston is a change for most co-ops who do work here. For the most part, the first tour is a learning experience for us all and a time to meet new co-ops. You will probably be surprised by how much you pick up and the people you get to know. There are plenty of events for co-ops to attend, such as playing sports, lectures, tours and other events around Houston. If you have an event idea while you are down in Houston, you can probably find someone else willing to do it also.

If you have any questions about a co-op at JSC then I invite you to email me at Raymond.R.Mendoza@nasa.gov (work) or rmendoza@tamu.edu (school) and I will get you some answers. Thanks and Gig’em!!!