Kim Hubbard/NASA: . . . . Tue, Mar 4, 8:00AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [5 ]
Good Morning! I'm Kim Hubbard and I'm ready for questions when you are.

Tish Krieg/NASA: . . . . Tue, Mar 4, 8:03AM PDT (-0700 GMT). . . [6 ]
Good Morning Kim - thanks for being here. Why don't you begin by telling
us a little about what you are wokring on now.

Well, I'm working on projects in three areas. One is developing user
interfaces that are internet-based so that users can run them from their
web browsers. Another project deals with allowing airport operations crews
to access airline schedule data using small, handheld computers connected
with a wireless network and using alphanumberic pagers that can receive
e-mail The last project I'm helping on involves
trying to figure out how to connect different databases together allowing
a user to get some useful information from them and displaying the results
using a web browser interface. What all these prjects have in common is
that we're trying to provide information in a useful and timely manner.

What will the database be used at NASA for?

Claire, the databases we're trying to connect pertain to airport and
aircraft information such as flight plans and airline schedules. The
problem is that there's more that one database but a user doesn't need to
be aware of this to get the information he/she needs .

Kim- are you working on anything related to the Mars missions right now?

No I'm not working on any Mars related experiments right now.

I read in your bio about the wireless computer system you experimented
with. What allows the communication between computers if there are no
wires? 

We used RF antennas to wirelessly connect the computers together which
allowed them to communicate with each other.

How will NASA use the hand held wireless remote you are working on - is
this similar to what you worked on for the Mars mission?

Bruce, we're expanding our wireless research toward the deveopment of
applications that can run on small handeheld computers that can assist
Space Station astronauts keep track of experiments and communicate with
crew members. We're also applying this technology to providing remote
access to airline flight info to airport operations crews.

**********

How does NASA use the work you do - it sounds like it would be used for
commercial companies?

Right now the work I'm doings is applied to NASA missions such as space
station
data system development. It's also being applied to airport operations. We
are also trying to automate tasks to which will help decrease the test
cycle for wind tunnel tests to make it easier for aircraft designers What
we often do is the inital research and prototype building so that we can
transfer the technology we've developed to industry.
How come NASA does research for other industries?

NASA does research in collaboration with both academia, other gov't
agencies such as the FAA, and industry. Why? It's advantageous for
everyone involved since no one organization has all the good ideas. Also
we can try new technologies so that industry doesn't have take all the
risks invloved in doing somthing new while at the same time advancing
NASA's research achievements.

**********
Science and math have been areas where there are few females but in recent
years computer science seems go be an area of science where there are more
females. What do you think there might be about computer science that
attracts females?

Well, computer science is fun because you get to solve a variety of
problems. It's 
challenging.

Were there many other women when you were in the Air Force?

Shawna, there were quite a few women in the Air Force. However, in my
section of about 20 people about a third would be women.

**********
Could you go and work for a private software company and do you think you
might ever do that? Would you make more money at NASA or at another
company? 

Shawna, if I worked at a private software company, I'd be making a lot
more money that here at NASA. The government generally pays less than
industry. But I'm not sure if I'd have more fun working in industry as I
do here a NASA. I get lots of opportunities to learn new things here.

**********

Let me rephrase that question, what kind of education or experience do you
have to have to become an astronaut?

I don't know the specific requirements but many astronauts come have been
in the military. Many are pilots. However, you don't have to be a pilots
but may astronuats have Master's or PHDs and are generally very
compentent.

So basically being generally motivated is excellent for the job. But is
having an extensive math and sciences good for the job too?

Kyle, You're right you have be really motiviated to be an astronaut but a
good science and math background is essential a well since astronauts have
to perform lots of science experiments in space.

Thanks for the answers on that topic. How did you get your job with NASA?

Kyle, I got my job with NASA because someone who worked there referred me
to someone else.

Do you think that the Air Force was the best way for you to get your
education and job into NASA? What would you have had to do if you didn't
go into the air force to get the same education and training? In other
words how could do the same type of thing if I didn't want to spend 7
years in the air force?

Shelly, You don't have to be in the AirForce first. That's just how things
worked out for me. NASA often has internships av available to college
students. This would be an excellent way of "getting your foot in the
door" and getting some work experience. I know that a few people were
hired on as full-time NASA employees after completing an internship or
summer employment.

I live in Canada, what should I do to increase my chances of getting into
NASA? Go into the military, get my pilots license etc.? 

Kyle, I'm not sure of what the rules are for Canadians to be hired at
NASA.

Did you need to do work outside of your field in order to fund your
education?

Since college I've always have computer science or engineering related
jobs.

Is just working with NASA, not being an astronaut, also an incredible
experience, what kinds of experiences do you get?

Kyle, It's a lot of fun working here at NASA, I get to work on a variety
of projects instead of doing the same thing year after year. I get some
exposure to others' cool projects such as robotics.

***********

My teacher is standing here, she wants to know how important Language Arts
and Social Studies are ;-)

Language Arts and social studies are very important as well. It doesn't do
any good to just know math and science. It's important to have a well
rounded education. This includes having excellent communication skills and
awareness of other cultures. For example,I regret not having taken more
foreign language classes in college.

**********

Did you ever consider stopping work to raise your twins. Could you have
gone back and worked at NASA or could you have worked part-time?

I enjoy working very much so I prefer working full-time. NASA does allow
some people to work part-time but I think there is alot of paperwork and
approvals required to be allowed to do so. Fortunately I have very good
childcare and my husband and I function great as a team in taking care of
the girls.

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Thank you so much for answering our questions - we have to get back to
class now. Bye

We appreciate your time Kim - this is a great experience for our children
here. Thanks.

No. But This has been an unmatched experience. Thank you so much for the
oppourtunity. Bye. :-)

Bruce, You're welcome. I've enjoyed chatting with you.

I was thrilled by the chance to talk to a real person at NASA.