Meet a NASA Mentor: Aamod Samuel

TL;DR

NASA employee encourages students to consider interning at NASA to gain practical experience and develop technical and leadership skills.

Transcript

[ MUSIC ] >> MY NAME IS AAMOD SAMUEL. I WAS BORN IN THE MIDDLE EAST. I LIVED IN INDIA FOR A BIT, AND CAME TO THE UNITED STATES WHEN I WAS ABOUT 10 YEARS OLD. I LIVED IN INDIANA AND OKLAHOMA, MOST RECENTLY IN LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA, WHERE I AM RIGHT NOW. I WORK OVER AT ARMSTRONG FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER, IN EDWARDS, CALIFORNIA, AND I WORK THERE AS THE ... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Aamod Samuel's diverse background and experiences highlight the inclusive nature of NASA's workforce.
• 📽️ The Simulation Hardware Group at NASA focuses on various projects, including the X-79 Low Boom Flight Demonstrator.
• 💦 Internships at NASA offer practical applications of theoretical learning and contribute meaningfully to future work in any field.
• 🌍 Samuel aims to expand interns' technical skills and develop their leadership abilities.
• 💦 Interacting with colleagues, presenting work, and working in a team are crucial aspects of an internship at NASA.
• 🌍 Samuel emphasizes the importance of providing guidance and support to interns during their time at NASA.
• 🤗 Internships at NASA are open to students from various majors and backgrounds.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Aamod Samuel's role at NASA?

Aamod Samuel works at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center as the lead electronics engineer for the Simulation Hardware Group. He is currently involved in building the hardware side for the X-79 Low Boom Flight Demonstrator.

Q: What does Samuel believe is the biggest takeaway from internships?

According to Samuel, the practicality of the work and its application to theoretical classroom learning is the most valuable aspect of internships. He believes that internships offer a tangible understanding of the subjects being studied and contribute to future meaningful work.

Q: How does Samuel approach mentoring and developing interns?

Samuel aims to expand interns' technical and leadership skills. He encourages interns to take ownership of projects, interact with others, and present their work. In addition to technical skills, he focuses on developing teamwork and providing guidance and support to interns in their personal and academic lives.

Q: What is the message Samuel wants to convey to potential interns?

Samuel wants to convey that anyone can work for NASA and develop their skills through experience. He encourages students from various disciplines to consider internships at NASA, assuring them that it is not beyond their capabilities and can enhance their education.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Aamod Samuel shares his personal journey of being born in the Middle East, living in India, and eventually working as a lead electronics engineer at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center.

• He highlights the diverse projects and responsibilities of the simulation hardware group at NASA, particularly their work on the X-79 Low Boom Flight Demonstrator.

• Samuel emphasizes the value of internships in providing practical learning experiences, expanding technical knowledge, and developing leadership skills.