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Esta página no está disponible en español. Latina Scientist, Monserrate (Monsi) Roman, Keeps An Eye On Smallest Inhabitants Of Space…Persistence & Passion Leads Hispanic Engineer, Miguel Rodriguez, To Success
Latina Scientist Keeps An Eye On Smallest Inhabitants Of Space By U.S. DEPARTMENT OF NASA June 26, 2003 FDCH Regulatory Intelligence Database When microbiologist Monserrate (Monsi) Roman came to the United States from Puerto Rico, she never dreamed she'd be a scientist working to ensure safe water and air for the crew of the International Space Station, the world's largest space laboratory. As a microbiologist, Roman studies microbes, living organisms including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, which are only visible under a microscope. Microbes are everywhere, but most are harmless, and many do useful jobs like help us digest food. "My job is to be a detective, to determine how microbes will behave under different situations and in different locations, such as the nooks and crannies of the Space Station," explained Roman, chief microbiologist for the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) project at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Huntsville, Ala. Everyone who visits the Station comes with his or her own unique set of microbes. And since crewmembers, visitors, experiments and hardware hail from 15 Station partner countries, Roman must study an international, multicultural group of the microbes. She often collaborates with scientists and engineers from other countries. "Microbes were the first inhabitants of the Space Station hitchhiking into orbit on equipment before people ever arrived," Roman said. "Each microbe is unique, and if left unchecked, some will thrive and could eventually eat many materials." The Station was designed with materials that are microbe-resistant. Temperature and humidity are controlled to discourage microbe growth. Roman helps ensure microbes aren't a threat by monitoring the Station's air and water system. She works closely with MSFC engineers who are designing and testing the Oxygen Generation and Water Recovery equipment, a more sophisticated air and water recycling system to be installed on the Station. It will dramatically reduce the amount of water supply vehicles deliver to the Station. Roman's fascination with science and living organisms blossomed when she was a child. Her science teachers nurtured her curiosity, encouraged her to participate in science fairs, and provided opportunities for her to work with real scientists. Roman carries on that tradition, helping with classes at NASA's Challenger Learning Centers and at the agency's Educator Resources Center in Huntsville. Every summer, she mentors a student who works by her side as an intern at the MSFC. Roman earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Puerto Rico, where she became so fascinated with microbiology that she washed dishes in the lab before finally being hired as a research assistant. She earned her master's degree in microbiology at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and joined NASA in 1989. "As I always tell my three sons and the students I mentor: Don't listen to anyone who says you can't," said Roman. "As a little girl, I never dreamed I would be helping NASA build part of a Space Station. It has been fascinating watching the Station go from paper drawings to a real home and workplace in space."
Persistence & Passion Leads Hispanic Engineer To Success By U.S. DEPARTMENT OF NASA June 26, 2003 FDCH Regulatory Intelligence Database Growing up in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Miguel Rodriguez knew by age 17, he wanted to work in America's space program. Little could he have known then staying focused on that goal would lead him to become director of the Operations Directorate at NASA's Stennis Space Center, Miss. Like many youngsters in the 1960s, NASA's Apollo program and that first, snowy TV picture of Neil Armstrong walking on the moon inspired Rodriguez. "I saw that and said to myself, 'Wouldn't it be nice to work for NASA?'" Rodriquez said. Staying on course to achieve his goal, Rodriguez studied to become a mechanical engineer. He graduated in 1976 from the University of Puerto Rico Engineering College, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. A year before Rodriguez graduated, NASA representatives visited the university to recruit career candidates. Rodriguez took a chance and spoke with the recruiters, only to find all the interview slots were filled. Determined to work for NASA, he placed his name on the overflow list and was eventually called for an interview. His persistence paid off. He was interviewed and offered a job at NASA. In 1976 Rodriguez went to work at the Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. as a mechanical design engineer designing parts for the Space Shuttle. In 1979, he transferred to Florida to work at the Kennedy Space Center. Since then Rodriguez has held a number of engineering and managerial positions. As director of Stennis Operations, Rodriguez manages facility construction, maintenance, environmental programs, security, emergency services, utilities and other operations for about 4,600 Stennis personnel. Pursuing the career Rodriguez dreamed of as a teen has been rewarding, and to honor his heritage, Rodriguez is active in the Hispanic community, serving as a mentor and frequent speaker. He hopes to see more Hispanics join NASA's ranks. He tells young people from diverse backgrounds to follow their dreams. "If you have an interest in working for NASA, stay on track with your schoolwork and be persistent. You can work for NASA. You just have to make it your priority," he said.
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