1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,000 What excites you most about what you are working on at NASA? 2 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:04,000 Just working at NASA, right. 3 00:00:04,000 --> 00:00:07,466 We're working with cutting-edge technology, research ... 4 00:00:07,466 --> 00:00:14,600 Currently, I'm working on projects that are advancing our test capabilities to support NASA's missions. 5 00:00:16,800 --> 00:00:16,000 With all of the Artemis programs, 6 00:00:16,800 --> 00:00:18,942 and X-59, it's just a very exciting time. 7 00:00:18,942 --> 00:00:19,799 Meet 8 00:00:19,799 --> 00:00:22,313 Kamana 9 00:00:22,313 --> 00:00:23,940 Katiyar 10 00:00:23,940 --> 00:00:24,912 What career did you dream of having when you were younger? 11 00:00:24,912 --> 00:00:26,055 So I wanted to be an engineer. 12 00:00:26,055 --> 00:00:28,655 My father is an engineer. 13 00:00:28,741 --> 00:00:33,482 Every time he would talk about a project, I was just always so intrigued 14 00:00:33,482 --> 00:00:35,311 and I was hooked on that. 15 00:00:35,311 --> 00:00:40,309 My first job, right after graduating from engineering, was at a satellite manufacturer company. 16 00:00:40,309 --> 00:00:42,994 And NASA was just the ultimate dream. 17 00:00:42,994 --> 00:00:46,879 So I started as a test engineer. I worked in the aero facilities. 18 00:00:46,879 --> 00:00:49,906 I worked in the Advanced Subsonic Combustion Rig as a test engineer 19 00:00:49,906 --> 00:00:53,277 and had an opportunity to work with the fuel cell building 20 00:00:53,277 --> 00:00:55,877 and also on cryogenics and then moved into management. 21 00:00:55,877 --> 00:00:56,849 Where is home for you? 22 00:00:56,934 --> 00:00:57,821 I was born in Belgium. 23 00:00:57,821 --> 00:01:01,351 I lived in Venezuela for a short time, lived in India, 24 00:01:01,351 --> 00:01:04,563 did my schooling, my early schooling there, 25 00:01:04,563 --> 00:01:09,218 moved to the US, worked in California, and then moved to Cleveland. 26 00:01:09,218 --> 00:01:10,104 A fact that someone might be surprised to hear about you is ... 27 00:01:10,249 --> 00:01:15,626 You know, I often say that I love everything from skydiving to scuba diving - 28 00:01:15,626 --> 00:01:16,433 and everything in between. 29 00:01:16,433 --> 00:01:18,209 How was your skydiving experience? 30 00:01:18,209 --> 00:01:23,635 Loved it! Can't wait to do it again. 31 00:01:23,635 --> 00:01:25,929 We were just in Costa Rica and we did this whole canopy ziplining tour 32 00:01:25,929 --> 00:01:29,385 then there was also this Tarzan swing, and it was that same feeling, 33 00:01:29,385 --> 00:01:35,154 granted, it was not at that altitude level, but it was the same feeling of just jumping off. 34 00:01:35,154 --> 00:01:36,640 Who do you credit for inspiring you? 35 00:01:36,640 --> 00:01:38,897 Definitely my mom. You know, we when we were young, 37 36 00:01:38,897 --> 00:01:44,030 we traveled, moved quite a bit to different countries, different places. 37 00:01:44,030 --> 00:01:48,481 And her resilience, her adaptability has just been 38 00:01:48,481 --> 00:01:50,224 lessons that I've carried in my my life. 39 00:01:50,224 --> 00:01:51,423 What advice do you have for the next generation of students? 40 00:01:51,423 --> 00:01:54,255 You know, you're going to have a class that's going to be challenging 41 00:01:54,255 --> 00:01:57,277 or you're going to second guess yourself, but stay focused on your goal. 42 00:01:57,277 --> 00:02:00,000 A career in STEM is extremely rewarding. 43 00:02:00,000 --> 00:02:02,464 The hard work and dedication are really worth it. 44 00:02:02,464 --> 00:02:04,876 What is one of your hobbies? 45 00:02:04,876 --> 00:02:06,122 I love photography. 46 00:02:06,122 --> 00:02:10,814 I love that I can capture those moments and share those stories with my family and friends. 47 00:02:10,814 --> 00:02:12,203 Something you love to do when you aren’t working 48 00:02:12,203 --> 00:02:17,634 It's difficult to find time with young kids and family, but I love to travel and definitely. 49 00:02:17,634 --> 00:02:20,703 I want to go to Machu Picchu soon. 50 00:02:20,703 --> 00:02:22,658 If you were to recommend an Indian dish, , what would it be? 51 00:02:22,658 --> 00:02:25,930 Chaat is a collection of different Indian flavors, snacks.