Pilot and Shuttle Flight Controller
I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. I also went to school in St. Louis at
Saint Louis University. I graduated in December 2008 with two degrees:
Physics and Aviation. At SLU as a part of my aviation major, I got certified
as a pilot. I have my Commercial Pilot’s license with an Instrument Rating
and Multi-Engine Rating. My goal in life had always been to be an
astronaut. I now have a job with United Space Alliance, which is NASA’s
biggest human spaceflight contractor. I’m a certified Flight Controller,
working in Mission Control for Shuttle missions.
When I was a child, my grandpa worked for Boeing, but I had never even
been on a plane until I was 14. Although aviation didn’t “run in the family,”
my parents always encouraged me to do whatever I wanted to do. They
supported my goals as long as I worked hard towards them.
My long term goal is still to become an astronaut, but in the mean time, I
absolutely love being a part of the human spaceflight program! My short
term goals are to get my seaplane rating, my CFI (Certified Flight
Instructor), and just to keep flying!
I started my private training in a TB9 Socata Tampico (a low-wing single-
engine plane). I did my commercial/multi training in a Piper Seminole. I’m
only 5 feet tall, so when I was training, I had to sit on a cushion so I could
see where I was going! I also wear platform tennis shoes so that I can
reach the rudder pedals. I call them my “flying shoes,” and although they
make look a bit goofy, they’re worth it!
Q What role do skills in Math, Science, Engineering and
Technology play in supporting your job?
My degree in Physics helped me land the job as a Flight Controller. Having a
strong background in science and math also made my pilot training much
easier. Aviation is really just a blend of science and engineering that’s
focused in defying gravity!
Q What activities do you suggest for young children or adults to
prepare them for a career like yours?
First of all, whatever you decide to do, don’t give up! Don’t let anyone tell
you that your dreams can’t come true. Also study hard in school. Getting
a good educational background really opens up your options so that you
can achieve your goals. If you think that flying might be the perfect thing
for you, take a few lessons to see if the fit is right.
I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. I also went to school in St. Louis at
Saint Louis University. I graduated in December 2008 with two degrees:
Physics and Aviation. At SLU as a part of my aviation major, I got certified
as a pilot. I have my Commercial Pilot’s license with an Instrument Rating
and Multi-Engine Rating. My goal in life had always been to be an
astronaut. I now have a job with United Space Alliance, which is NASA’s
biggest human spaceflight contractor. I’m a certified Flight Controller,
working in Mission Control for Shuttle missions.
When I was a child, my grandpa worked for Boeing, but I had never even
been on a plane until I was 14. Although aviation didn’t “run in the family,”
my parents always encouraged me to do whatever I wanted to do. They
supported my goals as long as I worked hard towards them.
My long term goal is still to become an astronaut, but in the mean time, I
absolutely love being a part of the human spaceflight program! My short
term goals are to get my seaplane rating, my CFI (Certified Flight
Instructor), and just to keep flying!
I started my private training in a TB9 Socata Tampico (a low-wing single-
engine plane). I did my commercial/multi training in a Piper Seminole. I’m
only 5 feet tall, so when I was training, I had to sit on a cushion so I could
see where I was going! I also wear platform tennis shoes so that I can
reach the rudder pedals. I call them my “flying shoes,” and although they
make look a bit goofy, they’re worth it!
Q What role do skills in Math, Science, Engineering and
Technology play in supporting your job?
My degree in Physics helped me land the job as a Flight Controller. Having a
strong background in science and math also made my pilot training much
easier. Aviation is really just a blend of science and engineering that’s
focused in defying gravity!
Q What activities do you suggest for young children or adults to
prepare them for a career like yours?
First of all, whatever you decide to do, don’t give up! Don’t let anyone tell
you that your dreams can’t come true. Also study hard in school. Getting
a good educational background really opens up your options so that you
can achieve your goals. If you think that flying might be the perfect thing
for you, take a few lessons to see if the fit is right.
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| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
TM
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
TM
