NASA is recognizing and celebrating National Women’s History Month
and the contributions of female scientists, researchers and managers
to the space program.
Media representatives will have the opportunity to speak with
researchers and administrators at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett
Field, Calif., who will share their experiences and discuss
contributions made by women to NASA’s aeronautics and space programs.
Participants also will address issues related to education and career
opportunities for young girls and women.
“Growing up on a ranch and being surrounded by the questions and
wonders of biology stimulated my interest in science as a child,”
said Deputy Director of Astrobiology and Space Research Bonnie
Dalton. “Wanting to know more about the unknown was the evolutionary
step translating my science interests to NASA research and finally to
microgravity flight operations.” As part of NASA Ames’ management
team, Dalton now is responsible for facilitating continuing space
research at NASA’s Science and Technology Center for Exploration.
NASA Ames chief engineer Dr. Tina Panontin has been with NASA since
1983 and is now leading a team of researchers working on space
shuttle ‘return-to-flight’ activities that will help NASA to meet the
objectives of the new national space exploration program.
“The access to mentors and teachers whose perspectives helped broaden
my outlook and aptitudes in math, science and problem-solving allowed
my pursuit of a technical career and the opportunity to work on
interesting problems with talented people in pursuit of an important
mission,” said Panontin.
The official celebration of women’s accomplishments began in 1978
when the Sonoma County, Calif., government sponsored Women’s History
Week to promote the teaching of women’s history. In 1981, Congress
passed a resolution making the week a national celebration, and in
1987 Congress expanded the celebration to the full month of March,
making it National Women’s History Month.
For more information about the women of NASA, visit:
