Mission Unstoppable: Joan Misner Reflects on Exciting Journey as a Female Aerospace Engineer at NASA
“One of my mottos in life is “Network to Get Work”. Today’s woman dreamer, Joan Misner is a mission integration engineer at NASA. A Florida native, Joan was a first-generation college graduate originally from Puerto Rico and is passionate about increasing representation in STEAM career paths. An inspiring innovator, she shares “I still pinch myself thinking that I get to launch rockets and spacecraft to space that explore not only our planet, but other planets as well.” In her inspiring interview with Women Who Win, Joan reflects on her recent experience on hit CBS show Mission Unstoppable, which highlights fascinating female innovators who are on the cutting edge of science. She also notes her top three pieces of advice to young women in their careers, and what excites her most about the future of women in space technology. A must read - enjoy!
1. Tell us your story. You are an Aerospace Engineer at NASA. What inspired your interest in science, and what have you learned from your journey as a woman in STEM?
My name is Joan Melendez Misner and I am a Mission Integration Engineer working in the space industry. I am an Orlando, FL native, but originally from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico. I graduated with a dual Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and have a Master's in Science degree in Systems Engineering.
My story is a little unique because I didn't think I was going to be an engineer growing up. I wanted to be a doctor. However, after volunteering at a local hospital and seeing a lot of blood and needles, I quickly realized it was not for me. If it wasn't for my amazing guidance counselors and support system, I wouldn't have found my love for STEM, and that is because when you picture an engineer, you don't typically see a Latina woman in those roles. And that is why I think it is so important to showcase to young minorities everywhere that you CAN be an engineer and a scientist.
I started my career in aviation working on fighter jets and engines, and then recently moved over to the space sector and now work on space hardware. I still pinch myself thinking that I get to launch rockets and spacecraft to space that explore not only our planet, but other planets as well.
2. Four months ago, you had the opportunity to film an episode for CBS's Mission Unstoppable. Tell us more about this experience. What was the most exciting part about it?
It was an incredible experience! I was lucky enough to be able to film about my career as a space engineer and talk about payloads- which is what I primarily do at my current job. Funny story, exactly a year prior to filming, around December 2020, I turned the TV on and Mission Unstoppable was on TV. I was intrigued because I saw a show focusing on women in STEM careers and I was immediately hooked. It is so surreal to think that a year later, I was filming my own episode talking about myself and what I do.
3. More and more women are entering space technology. What is your advice to young women pursuing this career path?
First one is going to sound a little cliché, but don’t give up. If working in STEM is your dream, don’t get discouraged if you fail a class, or if you have to study harder than everyone else. Keep on pushing towards finishing your degree and working hard to land your dream job.
Secondly, I strongly believe in the power of your network/mentors. One of my mottos in life is “Network to Get Work”. I went to a NASA networking event and after touring a NASA facility and connecting with NASA engineers, I stayed in touch with them. They guided me by providing me with upcoming job announcements, as well as resume tips. I truly believe that networking can help you get on the right path, which is another reason I am so open on social media. If you need resume help, I got you. If you need someone to give career advice, I got you. A lot of people helped me along the way to help me get to where I am, and I want to extend a helping hand to anyone who was in my position several years ago.
Finally, I think its important to showcase STEM careers to young girls at a young age. One of my favorite quotes from a fellow STEM friend is “My biggest fear is that the cure for Cancer is in the mind of a young girl that is told from a young age that science is for boys.” It is a powerful quote that I have repeated several times. We need to encourage young girls who may have an interest in science by showcasing female role models in those careers. It is much easier to show them what they can become if they can see themselves in those positions.
4. What excites you most about the future of space technology? What questions keep you up at night?
Being able to open up access to space for everyone. As someone who dreams of going to space, and is training as a commercial astronaut through the Space+ program, it excites me knowing that more people will be able to experience that Overview Effect in my lifetime.
5. You are certainly a busy woman. If you could pick up any new hobby to relax and unwind, what would it be?
I love playing musical instruments. I am a classically trained clarinetist, and I also picked up saxophone and piano. Not many people know this side of me because I am just known for STEM content (which is FANTASTIC), but I like to unwind by learning a new song on the piano or clarinet. It reminds me of my teenage years and music is such a huge part of my life. I learned discipline, perseverance (practice makes perfect), and most importantly, friendship, when I was in band throughout middle/high school and college.
Thank you Joan for sharing your story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network
Bio: Joan Melendez Misner (@yourfemaleengineer), a native of Orlando, FL., is a Mission Integration Systems Engineer at NASA for the Launch Services Program working on management of space and aeronautical flight systems for all non-crewed and scientific missions. Her missions include the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), Europa Clipper, GOES-U and Dragonfly. The DART mission will be colliding with its intended asteroid on September 26th of 2022, in which the mission will become the first planetary defense mission for future potential asteroids that come to Earth. Joan received a dual bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry from the University of Maryland, and a master’s degree in Systems Engineering from Naval Postgraduate School. Prior to working for NASA, Joan worked for Blue Origin on the New Glenn rocket, and Naval Air Systems Command on jet engines, fuel systems, and biofuels research/qualification. In her spare time, Joan volunteers throughout the community and is fully involved with STEM Outreach Programs, including judging robotics competitions, mentoring middle/high school aged students, and participating in the "Women in Math" events. She was chosen as a "Wonder Woman" for the STEM-ing event due to her endeavor in the community. She was also chosen to be a part of the DoD's "30 under 30" promotional video which aimed at raising awareness about STEAM career opportunities among college students studying in STEAM. Joan was recently selected as part of Uplift Aerospace’s Space+5, which is the first Web3 Commercial Astronaut Program. Out of over 2000 applicants, the company chose 5 finalists to train as commercial astronauts for a future Blue Origin spaceflight. As a first-generation college graduate, she strives to increase representation in underrepresented communities, as well as encourage them to pursue STEAM careers through social media and non-profits. One of the projects that she is involved with, PASSAGE (Providing Aid and Science to South America’s General Education), will be flying in STEAM supplies to Latin America to encourage the younger generation to reach for the stars. Additionally, she creates STEAM content on both Instagram and TikTok under the name “YourFemaleEngineer”.
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