NASA STEM Stars: Mechatronics Engineer - Perseverance | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Tim Schwartz, an engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, shares his childhood, hobbies, and career journey in STEM, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and perseverance.

Key Insights

• 🏑 Childhood experiences, such as outdoor activities and exposure to inspiring events, can shape an individual's interest in STEM fields.
• ❓ Being an Eagle Scout can provide valuable skills in leadership, problem-solving, and planning, which are essential in a STEM career.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Pursuing internships and co-op programs can offer hands-on experience and insight into specific fields of interest.
• 🧗 Hobbies and interests outside of STEM, such as climbing and motorsports, can cultivate important skills that are transferable to engineering and problem-solving.
• 🏑 Curiosity, asking big questions, and being prepared for challenges are key attributes for success in STEM fields.
• 😤 Collaboration and communication skills are important for working effectively in STEM teams.
• 🇮🇴 Pursuing STEM careers involves ongoing learning and a willingness to explore unknown territories.

Transcript

are you ready let's hear it for the world-class nasa stem stars team from nasa centers across the country we present tim schwartz [Applause] hi nasa stem stars fans my name is taisha bats and i'm an education specialist here at langley research center today we have with us tim schwark from the jet propulsion laboratory tim how are you doing today g... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Tim's childhood experiences contribute to his career in engineering?

Tim's love for fishing and being in the outdoors taught him valuable skills in problem-solving, preparedness, and critical thinking, which have been essential in his engineering career.

Q: What was Tim's experience as an Eagle Scout like and how did it prepare him for his career?

As an Eagle Scout, Tim had to plan and execute a renovation project for a museum, which taught him skills in budgeting, leadership, and problem-solving. These skills have been invaluable in his engineering career at NASA.

Q: How did Tim's interest in NASA develop, and how did it lead to his current role at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory?

Tim's visit to Kennedy Space Center as a child, where he saw a space shuttle on the launch pad, sparked his fascination with NASA. This interest led him to pursue internships and co-op programs, eventually landing him a position at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Q: How have Tim's hobbies, such as climbing and motorsports, influenced his engineering career?

Tim's hobbies have taught him valuable skills in perseverance, attention to detail, and problem-solving, which directly translate to his work in engineering at NASA.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Tim Schwartz grew up in New Jersey and developed a love for the outdoors, particularly fishing and hiking.

• He became an Eagle Scout, learning valuable skills in planning, leadership, and problem-solving.

• Tim's interest in NASA began when he visited Kennedy Space Center as a child and saw a space shuttle on the launch pad.