NASA Women’s History Month Profile – Kate McMurtry (Armstrong Flight Research Center)

TL;DR

Kay McMurtry shares her journey from a small town in New York to becoming an Operations Engineer at NASA Armstrong and her passion for aeronautics.

Transcript

okay the same as for altitude I've always had an interest in NASA in grade school I remember just kind of grew a fascination and it from textbook history classes and then watching some of the shuttle operations on TV but I never really understood how to get to NASA and I grew up in a very small town in New York so we didn't have exposure to stem cl... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🏫 Kay McMurtry's interest in NASA began in grade school, but she didn't have exposure to STEM classes.
• ❓ The Air Force introduced her to engineering, and she later joined NASA Armstrong as an Operations Engineer.
• ❓ She enjoys community outreach to introduce engineering to younger generations.
• 🧑‍✈️ Kay pursued a private pilot's license to gain more intimate knowledge of aeronautics.
• 👯 She is motivated to learn from a wide variety of people and recently transitioned to a management position.
• 😃 NASA Armstrong has provided her with an eye-opening experience.
• 🧑‍✈️ Kay's husband is also a private pilot, and they enjoy exploring together.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Kay McMurtry first become interested in NASA and engineering?

Kay developed an interest in NASA during grade school but didn't have exposure to STEM classes. It wasn't until her time in the Air Force that she was introduced to engineering.

Q: What is the role of an Operations Engineer at NASA Armstrong?

An Operations Engineer ensures the mission success and airworthiness of aeronautics research, airborne science, and space technologies. They act as the interface between technologies and aircraft, participating in ground tests, integration, fly execution, and data analysis.

Q: What was Kay McMurtry's first assignment at NASA Armstrong?

Her first assignment was to integrate a flat-screen monitor in the backseat of the f-18 aircraft and remap the window space. This was to gather information on cockpit design for supersonic aircraft.

Q: Why is community outreach important to Kay McMurtry?

Kay didn't have exposure to engineering as a young kid, so she values the opportunity to introduce engineering to younger generations. She wants to ensure they have access to STEM education that she lacked in her school days.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Kay McMurtry grew up with an interest in NASA but didn't have exposure to STEM classes or engineering. Through the Air Force, she discovered engineering and commissioned as an officer.

• She joined NASA Armstrong as an Operations Engineer and got the opportunity to work with aircraft and contribute to NASA's mission of exploring curiosity.

• Kay is passionate about community outreach and introducing engineering to younger generations. She also pursued her private pilot's license to gain a deeper understanding of aeronautics.