NASA STEM Stars: Armstrong Flight Research Center Director

TL;DR

In this episode of NASA STEM Stars, Armstrong Flight Research Center Director David McBride discusses his career path and the exciting projects happening at NASA.

Transcript

stem fans are you ready let's hear it for the world-class nasa stem stars team from nasa centers across the country we present armstrong flight research center director david mcbride [Applause] hello my name is david alexander connecting to you from the armstrong flight research center and welcome to the second exciting season of nasa stem stars wh... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧡 NASA offers a wide range of career paths beyond astronauts, including engineers, scientists, technicians, and more.
• 🛟 Life lessons from McBride include the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and embracing failure as a valuable learning experience.
• 👱 The Armstrong Flight Research Center's role is to validate and advance aeronautical technology, contributing to the progress of air transportation.
• 👾 NASA is involved in various projects, from exploring space to studying Earth's environment and developing more efficient and sustainable aircraft.
• 💦 Work life at NASA emphasizes work-life balance and allows for personal interests and growth outside of work.
• 🤗 International students can pursue opportunities at NASA by persevering, gaining relevant experience, and being open to learning and change.
• 😤 McBride's leadership style focuses on enabling teams, valuing collaboration, and promoting diversity and social justice in STEM fields.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired David McBride to work at NASA?

McBride was inspired by the Apollo program and the X-15 movie, which sparked his interest in aircraft and engineering.

Q: What is the role of a center director at NASA?

As a center director, McBride's job involves communicating with stakeholders, coordinating the various teams at the center, and ensuring the progress of NASA's work.

Q: What is the most complicated aircraft McBride has worked on?

McBride mentions the Sofia (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy), a modified 747 with a telescope onboard, as the most complicated aircraft he has worked with.

Q: What current missions are being implemented at the Armstrong Flight Research Center?

The center is involved in missions such as the Sofia infrared astronomy observatory, Earth science research with the DC-8 aircraft, the X-57 electric aircraft, and the X-59 supersonic aircraft.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• David McBride shares his background and career experiences at NASA, having started as an intern in 1982.

• He emphasizes the importance of being adaptable, flexible, and a lifelong learner in order to succeed at NASA.

• McBride discusses the role of the Armstrong Flight Research Center in validating and advancing aeronautical technology.