Flight Experiments Project Manager
Kennedy Space Center
Who I am and what I do
Hi, my name is Deborah Wells and I work as a Flight
Experiments Project Manager for Kennedy Space Center. A professor, teacher
or scientist suggests an experiment and I have to find a way to do that
experiment in space. First, a habitat is chosen for the experiment specimen
- plants, fish, bacteria, etc. This habitat or experiment hardware provides
things that keep the specimen alive such as air, water, food, light,
and warm or cool temperatures. I also have to find a way to preserve
the specimen before it returns to earth's gravity. Preserving the experiment
while in space is important because when you come back to earth, gravity
will alter the experiment and you will not get a true reading on microgravity
effects on the organism. My group also trains the astronauts step by
step on how to use the hardware during a mission. During the mission
my group and myself are usually at the Mission Control Center helping
the astronauts with any problems that might come up with the experiment.
If there is a problem it's usually a minor problem and we can walk them
through any thing relating to the hardware or the experiment. After
the mission, back on Earth we follow up and help the professors or scientists
with the experiment brought back from space. I have done this process
many times over the years and it has become a very effective and an
efficient way to study the experiments.
How did I get here
I grew up in the Air Force and always had
an interest in space. In sixth grade I can remember building a space
station model in class. I attended high school in Alexandra, Louisiana
and then continued on to Louisiana Tech University (Go Dawgs!) where
I received a degree in Biomedical Engineering. After graduating from
Louisiana Tech I started to work for Kennedy Space Center in the Mission
Operations Group. I was responsible for setting up research labs for
scientists and professors from around the world. One of the experiments
was sponsored by Kentucky Fried Chicken. The experiment was called CHIX
in Space, a study of how the space environment would affect chicken
eggs. After five days in space, the eggs were brought back to Earth
and scientists and students studied the development of the hatchlings.
My next job was working on a project called CHROMEX, which was the first
set of plant experiments designed by Kennedy Space Center. The CHROMEX
payload developed seeds for the first time in space, a big accomplishment
for science and the United States for developing this system. I started
to work with other countries developing experiments for NASA. While
working with Ukraine, I participated in the developed a new plant growth
facility, and I also aided the Germans in producing a fully closed ecological
life support system.
Personal Information
I live on Merritt Island with my husband
Bill and my three children Rebecca 11, Zach 3 and Noah 1 1/2. I am a
Girl Scout leader for my daughter Rebecca's troop, which I enjoy very
much. My other activities include mountain biking, kayaking, sewing
and I love to keep in shape by doing Yoga, which is great for my concentration.
Advice
To achieve your goals, you must pick a deadline and do something every
day to get closer to your goals. It is very important to write down
your plans and then take it step by step to accomplish your dreams.
Future Plans
I am currently seeking a certification in Project Management. This certification
is similar to a Professional Engineer registration. I would like to
take these skills and improve the way we develop experiments to make
them less expensive and higher quality.
Archived
Webchats and Webcasts
November
15, 2001 Webchat
November
8, 2001 Webcast
