Former NASA astronaut shares career advice with students

San Diego State University served as the launchpad for the Astronauts for America national speaking tour.

USN Captain Wendy B. Lawrence (former NASA astronaut) spoke at the third annual BDA Connect event, organized by CAL’s Big Data Analytics (BDA) program, the McNair Scholars Alumni Connection and SDSU Global Campus. 

During the talk, Lawrence “encouraged students to pursue their dreams and then find a group of people (I call this a ‘support system’) that will support and encourage them as they start down the path to fulfill their dreams.” She also talked about the importance of voting — especially during the upcoming midterm elections. 

“There is a strong connection between Big Data Analytics and fields such as space exploration, satellite imagery and remote sensing, earth and ocean research, environmental monitoring, and other areas where large and complex datasets are used to understand our world and make decisions,” Gabriela Fernandez, adjunct faculty, director of the Metabolism of Cities Living Lab and graduate adviser in BDA said. 

Captain Lawrence’s career talk provided a unique opportunity for students to think beyond the more traditional applications of data analytics.

“She spoke about being a woman in STEM, becoming an astronaut and the first woman astronaut sent to space by the U.S. Navy, as well as the uncertainty she experienced after graduation when deciding what career path to pursue,” Fernandez said. “I think that was particularly valuable for our students because many are also trying to determine where their BDA education can take them.”

Fernandez heard positive feedback from students who attended. “I believe having real-world professionals share their journeys helps our students envision careers and opportunities they may not have previously considered,” she said.

Captain Lawrence answered a few questions about her visit to SDSU.

Q: Why did McNair Scholars Alumni Connection, you, and Astronauts for America choose SDSU as the first stop? 

A: As someone who grew up in North County San Diego, I am well aware of the tremendous impact SDSU has had on the local community. With its extensive academic and research programs, along with the many opportunities for students to be engaged, SDSU stood out to Astronauts For America. 

Q: What does Astronauts for America hope to accomplish through this national tour, and whom do you particularly hope to reach?

A: Astronauts For America is a non-partisan, non-profit organization focused on upholding the principles enshrined in our Constitution, strengthening public understanding of these foundational principles, and fostering civic engagement. We believe one of the most important principles is our right to vote. Historically, less than 30% of college-aged, eligible voters participate in mid-term elections. Thus, college students are the primary audience for our national tour, and before the upcoming election, we want to visit as many campuses as we can to encourage these students to vote. 

Q: Your own career took you from the U.S. Naval Academy to naval aviation and ultimately to four space shuttle missions. Which experiences or decisions were most important in opening that path for you — and what can students learn from them as they consider careers that may initially seem beyond their reach?

A: It was my childhood dream to become an astronaut. My dad encouraged me to research the careers that people who were selected as astronauts had before joining the NASA team. I tried to develop a plan that would follow in their footsteps (for example, going to college, studying science, math or engineering). In high school, I took classes that would prepare me to go to college; at the Naval Academy, I studied engineering. As I followed my path, I worked hard to make sure I was ready for the next step and prepared to take advantage of opportunities that were made available to me (in particular, being offered by the Navy to go to MIT for my master's degree). I want students to understand that they don't have to figure out their exact path all at once. Figure out what the next step needs to be. Take that step and do the best that you can possibly do. Be ready to take advantage of the opportunities that may be presented to you. And make decisions that will keep open doors in front of you.

Q: You were the first female graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy to travel into space. What obstacles did you encounter as a woman entering fields in which relatively few women had traditionally served, and what helped you move through or around those barriers?

A: I have to say the primary obstacle was the very few opportunities available for women in the Navy back in the 1980's. For example, only five women in my Naval Academy class were allowed to enter flight training to become a pilot. During flight training and as a young pilot in my first helicopter squadron, I worked diligently to become the best pilot I could possibly be. More than anything, I think this approach helped me move through barriers because those I worked with appreciated my efforts and were more willing to help me because of my hard work.

Q: Spaceflight depends on people with different specialties working together under extraordinary pressure. Is there a particular lesson about teamwork, leadership or problem-solving from your NASA experience that you believe applies especially well to students beginning their careers? 

A: Personally, one of the most important lessons I learned is that everyone on the team has a contribution to make. Typically, the members of the team come from different backgrounds and have different experiences. These different backgrounds become our strengths as we work together to accomplish our missions. And the different experiences are often invaluable as we brainstorm ways to solve the various problems we may encounter as we carry out the tasks to complete our mission. The ability to work as a part of a team is a very important skill to develop for young people at the beginning of their careers.

Q: What do you hope members of the SDSU audience will think about — or do differently — after hearing you speak?

A: One, that we are stronger when we work together, when we embrace a common goal and work with each other to accomplish it. Two, differences aren't something to be afraid of and we have more in common than we think. Finally, each of us has a role to play in preserving our democracy. 

For college students, one of the most important things they can do is to vote. And the message Astronauts For America wants to leave with the students is this: voting may be one small step for you, but it is one giant leap for our country.