Molly White...
About me:
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Me in the Shuttle Motion-Based Simulator! |
My name is Molly White. I’m a junior in Aerospace Engineering
at Iowa State University!! I’m a pretty normal Iowan…I
love the outdoors, camping, horseback riding, reading, hanging
out with friends, but especially anything that flies through the
air (and space!!). This past spring I studied abroad in Ireland,
and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!! I know
I’m supposed to be talking about NASA, but everyone should
study abroad too!!
How I came to work at NASA (one of the coolest places ever!!):
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Me in front of the Crew Systems Trainer in Building 9! |
Every Fall Iowa State has a career fair that NASA representatives
attend. I went as a young, bug-eyed, naïve freshman to the
fair, giving out my resume and not getting a single interview (so
don’t be discouraged freshmen!!). My sophomore year of school,
I almost didn’t go because of my experience my freshman year.
Well I just decided, why not?? So I went. I have always been fascinated
with NASA and all things space related so I went to their booth.
I was offered an interview this time, and left nervous but ecstatic
about my interview. I interviewed with Bob Musgrove, and waited
agonizing weeks to hear that I was offered a job!! Let me tell
you, I’ve never been so literally jumping for joy!!!
My first tour:
I work in the Missions Operations Directorate (MOD) for DPS (data
processing systems) in the shuttle. Basically my group monitors,
controls and fixes the nervous system of the shuttle—its
computers!! I’m training to be a Flight Controller!!
Day 1: I met my mentor after the morning orientation sessions and
within 1.5 hours, I was already over in the Mission Control Center,
shaking hands with a flight director, and sitting at a console
while my mentor described all the various groups and what they
did!! I got to sit on console for STS-115, meet astronauts, participate
in all kinds of exciting training activities like simulations from
console, ride in the motion-based simulator, take single shuttle
trainers, and much more!! All I have to say is: I LOVE NASA!! Plus
the people that I get to work with are really fun and have fantastic
personalities as well!!!
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| A group Co-Ops with STS-115 Commander Brent Jett |
Outside of NASA:
I was initially nervous about coming down here, getting settled,
and meeting new people, but all has turned out amazingly, and my
fears have been vaporized!! All the co-ops are fun, interesting
people who hang out a lot. There are so many things to get involved
with. I’m involved with Co-Op soccer, softball and a church!!
With so many free evenings, you have so much time to get involved,
meet other Co-Ops and explore Texas!!
Questions? Feel free to email me at molly.e.white@nasa.gov or
mwhite@iastate.edu, I’m totally willing to talk!
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