What Does Valerie Wiesner Do as a NASA Engineer?

TL;DR

Valerie Wiesner, a NASA Research Materials Engineer, develops materials to protect ceramic engine components from damage caused by sand ingestion. She emphasizes the importance of promoting STEM education for girls, believing it enables equal opportunities in STEM careers. Wiesner's work combines her passion for solving real-world problems with mentoring youth to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Transcript

[ Music ] My names Valerie Wiesner, and I'm a Research Materials Engineer in the Ceramic and Polymer Composites Branch at NASA Glenn Research Center. Ever since I was a child, I've always wanted to work at NASA. And so the day I actually came to work at NASA was basically a dream come true. I'm originally from Lawrence, Kansas, and I earned my Bach... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Valerie Wiesner's childhood dream of working at NASA came true, and she finds satisfaction in working on real-world problems and finding innovative solutions.
• 🥪 Sand ingestion in aircraft engines can cause significant damage, highlighting the need for protective materials.
• 👧 Valerie Wiesner believes in the importance of promoting STEM education among girls to ensure equal opportunities in STEM careers.
• 🤒 Her mom is her primary role model, and she also admires Sally Ride for her humility and inspiration.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Valerie Wiesner's role at NASA?

Valerie Wiesner is a Research Materials Engineer in the Ceramic and Polymer Composites Branch at NASA Glenn Research Center, focusing on developing new materials to protect ceramic-based engine components.

Q: What is the potential danger of sand in aircraft engines?

Sand, when ingested by aircraft engines, can melt into a glass-like substance due to high temperatures. This glass can cause damage to engine components, leading to premature failure.

Q: Why is STEM education important for girls?

STEM education is crucial for girls to realize they have equal opportunities to succeed in STEM careers. Promoting STEM education among girls provides them with the confidence and knowledge to pursue these fields.

Q: Who are Valerie Wiesner's role models?

Valerie Wiesner's main role model is her mom, who instilled a strong sense of education in her. She also admires Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, whom she had the privilege to meet and found to be inspiring and motivational.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Valerie Wiesner is a Research Materials Engineer at NASA, fulfilling her childhood dream of working there.

• She has a Bachelor's Degree in Physics and Japanese language and literature, along with a Ph.D. in materials engineering.

• Wiesner's current focus is on finding materials to protect engine components from sand damage.