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Editor's Note: The press organizes email interviews with people in the White Bear area who are doing interesting things in near and far places.
First name: Jennifer (Rutt) Hammond
Hometown: White Bear Lake
Education: Graduated in 1998 from White Bear Lake Area High School
Current location: Houston
Fast Bio: Jennifer has been with Boeing for 15 years and has participated in the International Space Station (ISS) program for the Communications and Monitoring Team, the ISS Structural Integrity Team, the Environmental and Safety Team, and ISS vehicle integration resources and is currently in mission evaluation. Room Manager (MER) on the ISS program. In her current role, Jennifer is certified to support the MER Manager console for daily ISS operations, as well as conducting on-orbit anomaly investigations. This involves interaction with engineering sub-system experts, chief engineers, NASA flight directors, mission operations personnel and the astronaut office. Jennifer has co-authored two articles for the International Astronautical Congress, focusing on interoperability and common standards for deep space habitats. Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She has specialized in mechanics and astronautics and holds a Masters of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Texas at Austin. Jennifer and her husband have two daughters aged 7 and 5.
Q: How could other WBLAHS graduates remember you?
A: I was a student council member of the WBLHS and co-chairing the reunion activities of 1998. I have also participated in Youth in Government as well as at the National Honor Society.
Q: Is that what you wanted to do growing up? Did you want to be an astronaut?
A: I've always loved math and science in school. During my first year of high school, I attended an astronomy course, an optional course. It was fascinating to learn what is happening beyond Earth and to spark my interest in physics. This interest led to the search for universities with well-known physics programs, thinking that I would pursue physics studies. After visiting the University of Wisconsin – Madison, I was introduced to an engineering program that they offered, namely mechanical engineering (astronautical option), where graduates then had worked for the NASA space shuttle program. I have never had the taste of being an astronaut, but I had a keen interest in space vehicles and physics related to launching vehicles in space and at work in zero gravity. I like to work as a contractor with NASA at Boeing and support the astronauts in their role, but I do not want to go into space. I do not like this feeling of free fall, as if you are coming out of a roller coaster. There is no way that I can ride on a rocket.
Q: What were your favorite subjects in school?
A: Science: physics, chemistry, organic chemistry and astronomy.
Q: What are you doing at Boeing? How did you get the job?
A: I am responsible for the evaluation room of the mission, which means that I work directly with experts in engineering systems to help maintain the functionality of the ISS and to solve any system problem may occur. I have been in this role for a year and I have prepared a lot in other ISS systems before I get into this role.
Q: Do you follow a training (simulator) similar to that of astronauts to find out what it looks like?
A: I do not! My experience closest to that of an astronaut is to be able to browse the scale models (mock-ups) used by NASA for his training. In this way, the astronauts (or the crew, as we call them) have an idea of how to run the systems on the ISS before they go up there.
Q: What is the highlight of your career so far?
A: I was able to go to Turin, Italy, for three weeks to test the audio system of the Node 2 module provided by the European Space Agency. Working with an international partner at home, I learned to appreciate the different cultures of the ISS program and to understand how they reconcile their work and their family life.
Q: What has most enriched your career path so far and what has been the most difficult?
A: The most rewarding was returned to my current position. It is a highly regarded and coveted role on ISS. I am employed by Boeing, but in this role, we are very well a family of NASA / Boeing. It's the most stressful and stressful job I have ever done, but it's most rewarding to be able to help direct and solve problems that keep you living in space and doing research valuable scientists to develop the human presence The earth. The hardest part was balancing the family and having a difficult work schedule, but it's the very nature of working on a program that works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Q: What are your overall career goals?
A: My current goal is not to stay in one position for too long. I have a window of about five years and I like to progress and learn a new system and a new role. It allows me to stay motivated and interested in my work. If you set a goal too specific, you may be frustrated or disappointed if it does not happen in the desired time.
Q: What do you like to do when you're not working?
A: When I'm not working, I'm usually busy bringing girls to gymnastics, dancing, or birthday parties. We are a big family of sportsmen, so whatever the season, we organize sporting events on television.
Q: Did you forget anything about WBL or Minnesota?
A: Hockey games are missing, I watch on TV or I attend. I miss seasonal changes, but winters do not fail me. I mostly miss spending time on the lake. The Texas lakes are not what I would call everything you want to swim.
Q: Do you have any advice for students in the region who are considering a career in aerospace engineering?
A: With a degree in Aerospace Engineering, there are so many directions to follow. Research companies that hire aerospace engineers and the different roles they play. Be open to moving to different parts of the country! There are so many possibilities, do not be afraid to go get them!
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