2 answers
Vish
Student
Alameda, California
4
Questions
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What does it take to become a NASA research scientist?
#research #science #NASA
I like to learn new things every day to keep me engaged and save me from boredom. I love the type of work NASA is doing and am interested in researching because I have a perception of getting the opportunity to learn something new often. I also enjoy presenting/writing and I think that would also be part of a researcher's job. Is that true or are my presumptions incorrect. What qualities must a research scientist have and what education must such a person complete?
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2 answers
Rich Winslow
Senior Data Scientist + Mechanical Eng. PhD
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Rich’s Answer
That's a super exciting goal that can have a huge impact on the scientific community, space travel, and the world at large! To do research at NASA, you'd want to aim for a PhD in a field they do research in: Applied sciences or Earth sciences like Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Geology, Biology, and many more. You can see the a great overview of topics at https://science.nasa.gov/earth-science/focus-areas
Over the course of your education, you'll want to apply to NASA research internships and build relationships with NASA researchers through outreach. Go on LinkedIn or find their research pages on the NASA website, send them an email expressing interest and see if there are ways you can contribute.
Presenting and writing are two critical skills for any researcher. You'll need to summarize complicated research findings in a digestible manner so they're usable by others. You'll also need to present your findings at conferences and meetings to propel other researchers forward.
For a journey like this, it'll be critically important that you not only have the goal that you're laser focused on, but that you also simply love the research itself. Getting your hands dirty, being in the lab, running through mathematical models, digging in the dirt, or whatever you'd need to be doing. The principle goes for getting the PhD to really unlock that door. The prestige of the goal, while nice, is not enough to maintain motivation of the days, months, and years of pushing to get there.
Check the NASA focus areas site and see what you're interested in https://science.nasa.gov/earth-science/focus-areas
Reach out to a few researchers through that site and ask about specifics to do what they do since they may recommend a particular area of study
While working on your bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees, continue engaging with NASA researchers by doing internships and side research
Apply for research positions
Over the course of your education, you'll want to apply to NASA research internships and build relationships with NASA researchers through outreach. Go on LinkedIn or find their research pages on the NASA website, send them an email expressing interest and see if there are ways you can contribute.
Presenting and writing are two critical skills for any researcher. You'll need to summarize complicated research findings in a digestible manner so they're usable by others. You'll also need to present your findings at conferences and meetings to propel other researchers forward.
For a journey like this, it'll be critically important that you not only have the goal that you're laser focused on, but that you also simply love the research itself. Getting your hands dirty, being in the lab, running through mathematical models, digging in the dirt, or whatever you'd need to be doing. The principle goes for getting the PhD to really unlock that door. The prestige of the goal, while nice, is not enough to maintain motivation of the days, months, and years of pushing to get there.
Rich recommends the following next steps:
MAYRA GACON
Consumer Insights
8
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Denver, Colorado
Updated
MAYRA’s Answer
I don't work in this field, but I suggest looking at STEM research careers and NASA internship/apprentice programs.
It looks like NASA has emails for you to reach out to ask questions:
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/education/internships.html
https://intern.nasa.gov/
Have you looked at SpaceX? Their internship page gives you a good idea of the type of candidate they are looking for: https://www.spacex.com/internships/index.html
It looks like NASA has emails for you to reach out to ask questions:
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/education/internships.html
https://intern.nasa.gov/
Have you looked at SpaceX? Their internship page gives you a good idea of the type of candidate they are looking for: https://www.spacex.com/internships/index.html
Why do you wanna be that ?
TY