Meet John Rau

Quest Correspondent

Introduction

Hi my name is John Rau. I am very excited to be a part of the QUEST Team representing the Kennedy Space Center Team. I am looking forward to serving you as a Information Technology Associate, by providing you a behind the scenes view point of the activities at the center. 

My main responsibility will be helping maintain the web site QUEST, which has many parts and programs associated with it. For instance Space Team Online requires that I coordinate chat sessions, conduct interviews for field journals, write biographies for the Space Team Volunteers and take photos and video of upcoming events.  I also will be staying busy installing the software and hardware, which keeps us up to date with the latest technology.  Once a month during the school year the Quest team has an online presentation called a web cast. This allows students to view KSC professionals live and in person. The web cast last about an hour and presents interesting material about KSC news and projects. To find out how you can participate in this upcoming event, log on to http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/itc/sto/ksc/"

My Journey to KSC

I graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in Brattleboro, Vermont in 1981.  Four months later I attended Greenfield Community College located in Greenfield, Massachusetts.  My first year of college was spent getting used to campus life.  I joined clubs and the basketball team.  One club that I was a member of very much relates to Kennedy Space Center. In 1981 NASA’s first shuttle mission lifted off.  After the launch a group of highly motivated students and teacher including myself developed a project which centered around a 72-96 hour shuttle simulation.   The program is named TEME. or more Information log onto http://www.teme.mass.edu  The TEME project is a study of the interrelationship between people and their environment and how it might effect them.  My last six months at Greenfield was devoted to Fine Arts.  The culinary background I received from my dad and Brattleboro High where I had three years of technical training served me well. I really enjoy the creative arts as a whole, so it seemed like the logical thing to do. 

In 1983 I transferred to Castleton State College in Castleton, Vermont. http://www.csc.vsc.edu/ This small central Vermont college was a perfect place to develop my art skills.  Beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings made Castleton a worth while stay.  I enjoyed everything about the fine arts; however, my parents and I decided that art on its own was not a good choice at this time, so I decided to leave after a two year stay. In 1986 I moved to Florida with a fresh new outlook on life.  In 1987 I started a job working for Premier Cruise Lines as a Cruise line Representative. I was responsible for handling baggage, greeting, boarding and disembarking of all passengers for Premier. In June 1989 I took a second job as a Ships Agent. I worked along side Customs and Immigration and acted as liaison between these two agencies and the crew.  I put in seventy hours a week, traveled to Miami and other cities, such as , New York and Los Angeles about three times a week.  I had a great time with these two jobs.  I traveled around the United States and I had the opportunity to meet many interesting people from other countries.  However I needed a stable job with flexible hours if I wanted to finish what was important to me, which at this time was my education. In June of 1993 I left my Ship Agent position and started to work at Ruby Tuesdays as a cook.  It wasn’t long after I started, that I rose to the position of Manager.  This position was perfect for me as the restaurant gave me the hours I needed to finish what I had started in New England, my degree.

In 1994 I attended Brevard Community College in Cocoa, Florida (part-time) and continued on to get my four year degree in Graphic Design/Advertising Theory at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. During my years at UCF I volunteered to work nights as a Lab Monitor, where I instructed students in their programs and assignments.  I really enjoy this type of work, where I can use my creativity and share the my knowledge with others in a positive manner.  If you would like to log on to the BCC home page http://www.brevard.cc.fl.us/ UCF home pagehttp://www.ucf.edu/

On November 21, 2000 I started my position at Kennedy Space Center, I am very excited about the opportunity and look forward in serving you in the future.

Influences

My parents have been a big influence in my life and they have always supported me in my choices. I would not be where I am today without their guidance and help.  My father, for instance, has been a strong force, with his love of sports, cooking and a good sense of humor.  My mother’s upstanding morels and strong beliefs in education has helped guide me in a positive direction.  I also admire the way my sister Karen raises her family of 5 kids, some day I aspire to raise children of my own in the same manner.  I am thankful for the teachers and friends that have helped me in the past, by making the road a little easier and fun.

Personal Information

Born may 28 1963, in Burlington Vermont, but consider Brattleboro Vermont (two hours west of Boston)my hometown where I grew up. I moved to Merritt Island, Florida July 1986.  I enjoy walking on the beach, fine arts, photography, snow skiing and tinkering on the computer.  My parents Francis and Barbara Rau are residents of Hinsdale New Hampshire and sister Karen resides in Brattleboro Vermont

Goals

I am looking forward to many good times here at the center.  My plans are to incorporate my graphic design and public relations skills to enhance my effectiveness as a member of the QUEST team.  My long term goals are to continue to grow with the company and to further my education by getting my Masters degree.

Advice