Spotlight on Katie Boyles, Aerospace Engineer
Q: Coolest part of your job at Johnson Space Center?
A: I have loved being able to work on a variety of programs/projects (Space Shuttle, International Space Station, Orion and Morpheus), and I feel proud knowing that the aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics products that we produce in our branch are contributing to the design of the vehicle and success of the mission. I’m also truly honored to be able to work with such incredibly smart people on a daily basis who are so dedicated to their work and advancing the aerosciences discipline.
Q: You were recently highlighted for a Women@NASA segment. Do you have some advice for young girls who want to have a career related to space?
A: I would advise young girls to participate in a co-operative (co-op) education or internship program in college. Being part of JSC’s co-op program opened so many doors career-wise for me. I would tell them that you need to believe in yourself and your potential, remain dedicated to achieving your dreams, work very hard in school and never give up.
Q: What personal achievement are you most proud of?
A: I am so proud of my family! My daughters (who are 2 and 5 years old) continue to amaze me every day, and I am proud that my husband and I have been married for 10 years. I couldn’t imagine a better partner to journey through life with.
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?
A: The summer after I graduated from college, I was a breakfast cook at a mountain resort in the Trinity Alps in northern California. If you know me, this is surprising because my husband is really the chef of the family. I don’t think I’d scrambled too many eggs before that experience.
Q: If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be?
A: Neil Armstrong. I would love to have experienced walking on the moon for the first time ...
Q: What is your favorite indulgence?
A: A Starbucks coffee or frappuccino.
Q: What song/artist would you most likely jam on the radio on your way to work in the morning?
A: My 5-year-old daughter and I have been known to rock out to Carly Rae Jepsen and Justin Bieber in the car!
Q: What seemingly "little things" bring you joy?
A: Seeing my family healthy and happy, cuddling with my dog (a 10-year-old yellow Lab), spending time with friends and family, a hot cup of coffee in the morning, experiencing those wonderful (but sometimes rare) sunny and cool/crisp days in Houston and any day I get to spend in Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Q: What is your favorite way to spend a few free hours?
A: Playing with my kids! If I’m by myself, then reading a book, getting a massage or writing letters at a coffee shop.
Q: Describe yourself in three words.
A: Caring, dependable, genuine.
Q: What would we find in your refrigerator right now?
A: Veggies and fruit from a local farm that we buy from weekly, La Croix sparkling waters, string cheese that both of my kids eat on a daily basis and gourmet cheeses that my husband and I love.
Q: When did you first become interested in space and why?
A: I developed a passion for space exploration after attending NASA’s space camp in sixth grade and NASA’s Space Academy in high school. In college at the University of California San Diego, I had the incredible opportunity to work on the NASA Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students payload project with Dr. Sally Ride. Based on those experiences, I knew I wanted to work for NASA and contribute to the nation’s space program.
Q: What is your favorite memory at JSC or of the space program?
A: One of my favorite memories is when my good friend, astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, called me to say hello from the International Space Station (ISS). I had originally missed her call on my cell phone, and I was kicking myself as I was listening to the voicemail she’d left me from ISS. I literally lived next to my cell phone for the next few days and, luckily, she called me back!
Q: Where do you hope to see NASA 50 years from now?
A: In 50 years, I hope to see NASA focused on exploration and traveling to destinations in the universe that we haven’t been before, continuing to make life better here on Earth, inspiring humanity to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and to respect and appreciate the Earth.