SUSAN BOWLEY

An average day in my field varies. Some days are slow, reading articles or doing research in the library. Other days there are experiments or visitors to the lab. The most exciting thing about my job at NASA is working on unique projects and usually being allowed a lot of independence and freedom of judgement.

I was always good in math and science. Not excellent....the school system is a wonderful turnoff...I chose science because there seemed to be an endless supply of things that were not understood...that got my curiosity going and is what keeps me in science-the unknown.

I was always pressured not to go into a math-and-science-based field but it was never enough of a deterrent to my inner direction.

Some of the obstacles I had to overcome were: being told that I can't do something, that I am wrong. A lot of sexism mostly from older men at school and at work.

I enjoy most sports. I am trying to get into a volunteer fire department and to do teaching and/or tutoring part-time. I enjoy the ocean and riding my motorcycle, eating good food, cooking, and taking care of my plants.

There is not really anything that I would have liked to known when I was younger that would have made things easier for me. Maybe just that things will get harder not easier. I would have liked to have gone to a trade school for a couple of years or taken more hands-on courses at school, maybe on car repair or electronics. Also, maybe to have more female role models in science, not just math.

Imagination is more important than knowledge

--Einstein

Questions Answered

Archive of Chats with Susan

• Web Chat 10/14/97