Who I Am
I am the development group leader for the wind tunnel systems branch at NASA Ames Research Center. I lead a group that develops the computer systems used in the wind tunnels to collect data from the wind tunnel and the model being tested in the wind tunnel. My group provides the data acquisition system being used for the Wright Flyer test.

My Career Path
When I was growing up, I was very interested in NASA and in the space program. I was fortunate enough to grow up during the early days of the space program. I remember watching the Mercury and Gemini launches and then followed the Apollo launches when we first landed on the Moon. I also had a big interest in Astronomy - the stars, planets, nebula, comets, and galaxies. These two interests help to steer my career path to NASA. In high school I worked part time during the school year and during one summer here at Ames in the space science area. I went to UC Berkeley and earned a Bachelor's degree in Astronomy.

My Career at Ames
After graduation I got a job as a computer programmer working for a Contractor here at Ames (there weren't many or any jobs in Astronomy). I started out in the Arcjet facility where we tested heat shields and Space Shuttle tiles. I moved to the wind tunnels in 1984 and worked on supporting the wind tunnel data acquisition systems. In 1990, I got a job working for NASA as a project leader for a new data acquisition system for the 40x80 and 80x120 wind tunnels. Recently, I became the development group leader, and I oversee the data system efforts for all of the major wind tunnels here at Ames.

What I Like About My Job
Ames is a great place to work. The wind tunnels are fascinating - we get to test new aircraft and concepts. We also get to use some of the latest computers and hardware that is available. The people I work with are very smart, and I enjoy working with them as we put new computers into the wind tunnels.

As a Child
I have always enjoyed Math and Science. When I was growing up, I had a telescope, and I enjoyed looking at the planets, the moon, and the stars. I also enjoyed reading science fiction, going to science fiction movies, and I am a Star Trek fan.

Advice
What helped me is that I had a strong interest in Math and Science, and I got into NASA through the use of computers. I think a background in computer science or electrical engineering is the way to pursue a career like mine.

Early Influences
I pretty much decided when I was 5 years old that I would work for NASA. I basically found a way to make it happen. There are many paths to follow that will lead you to your goal. You may not realize at first that a particular path will lead you there, but it can happen.

Future Goals
I will most likely work towards a management position in the long term. I enjoy my current job and would like to pursue it for at least the next few years.

Personal
My interests include amateur astronomy, photography, and travel. My background is Native American (I am part Navajo), and I am the chair of the Native American Advisory Committee here at Ames. I am married and my wife enjoys many of the same interests as myself. I really enjoy traveling in the Southwest and exploring the many natural wonders, the ancient civilizations in the southwest, as well as the Native cultures.