Q&A Session with Dora Lopez

Q: What do you find the most rewarding in this kind of work? 

A: Because I am getting an engineering degree, I love the fact that I 
   can learn the technical side of engineering through real-life industry work.
   In school you get the theory side of engineering but at work, I get to 
   work on the real stuff that I study.   


Q: What is very inspiring about your work?

A: I like the fact that there are lots of exciting projects one can decide 
   to work on.  One day you can be working with the Central part of the 
   world and the other you can be working on the Eastern side of the 
   world.      


Q: What is your opinions on whether we should push for all female math 
   classes?

A: Female classes are fine if you have something against boys but it is 
   important to get use to the fact that you can learn a lot from the 
   opposite sex as well.  Their way of thinking and learning might be a bit 
   different than yours and maybe if you get stuck on a problem or 
   something, they can help you understand it a little better and 
   vice-versa.  I know sometimes it could get a bit competitive but hey here 
   is a chance to prove that females can do it too.


Q: What are some ideas you have for us about improving female enrollment in 
   math and science classes and careers. 

A: Your instructors should look into organizing field trips to job sites where 
   women work in the math/science field.  It is exciting to watch individuals 
   and professionals use their math or science in their daily-work life.
   Some of the most exciting jobs here at NASA and I believe it goes for 
   anywhere else, have a math or science background.  You would not believe 
   the things you could figure out by knowing your math and science. It 
   could be a whole different world out there!!


Q: How do you balance free time with your work, especially with lab work or 
   experiments which may last into late shifts? 

A: First of all I would like to say, that due to being a full time student, I 
   do not have very much free time. Most of my free time is dedicated to 
   homework and reading over material/notes that were given in class. It is 
   difficult to balance both school and work but I know that at the end, it 
   will be worth the struggle.