Q&A Session with Patricia Cowings

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

A: Knowing that I am making a real contribution to the space 
   program.  I still believe, after 25 years (I started as a child, 
   smile) that the space program is one of the most important endeavors 
   of human beings.


Q: Can you describe a problem you are working to solve i.e. an example of
   an actual project?

A: Yes-- we're trying to understand why some people adapt to space 
   faster than others.  We're working everyday on coming up with methods 
   for teaching people to control their own bodily responses (like heart 
   rate and breathing). This really helps.


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

A: My husband is by lab partner--so I DO take my work home.  My son is
   only 8 but we put a lab coat on him and tell folks he's a visiting 
   scientist from MIT.  When he was five years old, he sat with me at 
   Mission Control during the launch of Spacelab-J!!  But we have plenty 
   of time to do things together.  Right now, we're seriously into little 
   league.


Q: Has any of your writing been published?  

A: Sure.  My work is on space medicine, military pilots, environmental 
   stress--and science fiction.  Unfortunately, none of my science fiction 
   has been published so I have to settle for publishing science FACTS.


Q: Have you ever been in space, and if not, would you like to go if you had
   the chance?

A: No--I have to observe and experience VICARIOUSLY.  Of course, measuring 
   heart rate during launch gives you a real FEEL for what they must be 
   going through. I've tried out for astronaut three times.  In fact, I 
   was the first American woman to get scientist astronaut training.  But 
   they didn't pick me.  I would go in a NEW YORK MINUTE is they let me.


Q: How did you come to be accepted by your colleagues;  was it an uphill
   battle or did they suddenly realize your brilliance and accept you?

A: HA HA--I'm holding my sides!!  Hey--I'm STILL waiting for someone to 
   notice my brilliance.  A compliment from my colleagues is "she is a 
   competent scientist".


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

A: Teachers must inspire kids--and parents too.  But teachers most 
   of all must show how science can be fun.  For me--research is a 
   never-ending game.


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

A: Don't see the point.  Math is UNISEX


Q: What are the biggest drawbacks?

A: Money.  Research takes money--no two ways about it.  Without it, our
   hands are tied.  I spend a great deal of my time trying to find the 
   resources to do my job well.


Q: What are the feelings you experience knowing that you helped train the
   astronauts that explore space?

A: One word for it   PRIDE!