Master of Science in Information Technology alumna, Rachel Bayles, earned her degree at FSU in 2015. Her colleague, Patricia Horn, earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering at FSU in 2006. Though holding different areas of expertise, these alumnae find themselves both in Boulder, Colorado, working to augment space exploration and educate the next generation of space scientists at LASP (Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics).
LASP, which originated before NASA in 1948, is a part of the University of Colorado Boulder. With a combination of scientists, engineers, and mission operators, LASP completes specific instrument operations as well as full spacecraft operations. Though Bayles works on cybersecurity issues for the Lab and Horn operates scientific instrument suites, the two share the desire to bring greater university involvement into the Lab. Horn stated, “We both see a lot of potential at the Lab in working with the university and bringing in students, who gain valuable experience, and we also have talked about some ways the Lab can be improved.” For Horn and Bayles, this means incorporating a formal mentorship where the students can be mentored by professionals in the field, giving them a more comfortable one-on-one experience to be better-prepared for the workforce.
Get to Know Rachel Bayles
Hometown: New York, New York
Job Position: Information System Security Officer at the Laboratory of Atmospheric and Space Physics
Tell us about your job.
I am the primary liaison to NASA for cybersecurity.
How has working in your industry changed how you look at the world?
It reminds me how increasingly dangerous it is getting.
What is your favorite office snack?
Original Goldfish
What Jeopardy category could you clear, no problem?
Battlestar Galactica
Who do you admire and why?
CWO Michael Durant for his courage
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
The strength of the pack is the wolf i.e. the group is only as strong as its weakest link.
Where do you look for inspiration?
Members of the military
What advice would you give yourself in college?
People are not as nice as you think.
Share a memorable experience you’ve had at work.
Having my ops boss take me to see the James Webb Space Telescope Mirrors at Goddard Space Flight Center
How do you handle work-life balance?
Sequentially
Get to Know Patty Horn
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Job Position: Professional Research Assistant in Satellite Operations at the Laboratory of Atmospheric and Space Physics
Tell us about your job.
I do science operations for the Magnetospheric Multiscale Satellites(MMS). The scientists come up with ideas of how and when they want to get data, and we assess the feasibility, plan, and execute, then delivering the data to them for analysis.
What is your favorite office snack?
Almonds and walnuts
How did your education prepare you for your career?
Engineering teaches you a method of thinking, analyzing and problem solving that is key in any job.
What Jeopardy category could you clear, no problem?
Sci-Fi/Fantasy pop culture
Where do you look for inspiration?
I look to nature and space. There is still so much to learn and explore around us.
How do you handle work-life balance?
I am very clear with my team and my management about the importance of work-life balance. I focus on work while I am at work, and I focus on my life and family outside of it. When I had my babies I also negotiated for reducing my hours to part-time to fulfill the work-life balance I needed.
Who do you admire and why?
Peggy Whitson because she has made her name in a very challenging and male-dominated field and gained the respect of her colleagues as few others have.
How has working in the industry changed how you look at the world?
I have almost 12 years of experience in Aerospace, from defense contracting, to International Space Station planning, to Science Satellite operations. I have an idea for the marvels that scientists and engineers are working and also the challenges (political, financial, and social) that limit them. It is imperative that our society learn the value of science in order to continue to progress.
What advice would you give yourself in college?
Speak up for what you want, early and often. Continue to work toward your goals even if there isn’t a clear path to them.