Adriana Ocampo Uria
NASA
Washington, DC USA
"We are the architects of our destinies."
Career Roadmap
Adriana's work combines: Science, Engineering, and Learning / Being Challenged
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Always be ready to volunteer. Find a place you'd like to work and see if they offer any volunteer or co-op opportunities. I got started at NASA by volunteering when I was in high school. Try to get involved with societies and organizations for a field you're interested in. I joined the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, which was an amazing experience that helped me develop leadership and networking skills. Finally, look for mentors to help support and guide you throughout your journey.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Associate's Degree
Aerospace Engineering
Pasadena City College
Bachelor's Degree
Geology
California State University, Los Angeles
Graduate Degree
Planetary Geology
California State University, Northridge
Doctorate
Planetary Geology
Vrije Universiteit
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I’m originally from Colombia but was also raised in Argentina.
2.
I emigrated with my family to the United States where I was able to pursue my dream of becoming a scientist working at NASA.
3.
I originally wanted to become an aerospace engineer and started volunteering at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory when I was in high school.
4.
I attended Pasadena City College and then transferred to California State University, Los Angeles, where I changed my trajectory from aerospace engineering and earned my bachelor’s degree in geology.
5.
I continued to work at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory throughout college and accepted a full-time position as a research scientist after graduating.
6.
I went on to earn my master’s degree in planetary geology from California State University, Northridge, and completed my Ph.D. at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
7.
Some of my career accomplishments include discoveries on the Chicxulub impact crater, leading the data analysis of Jupiter’s moon Europa as part of the Galileo mission, and leading the Juno mission.
8.
I currently work as lead program executive for NASA's New Frontiers Program.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Teachers:
Geology is not for women.
How I responded:
Planetary geology was just emerging as a discipline when I started out. At the time, there were very few women in the field and fewer who looked and spoke like me. Some professors told me that geology is not for women. The challenge is to prove to yourself that you can do it—that you can turn that no into a yes. Create the path that works for you. The program I wanted didn't exist, so I asked for help and created a path for myself. I found mentors to support me and build up my confidence.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I emigrated to the U.S. with my family when I was in middle school. I was very excited to learn about a new country and pursue my dreams but the transition was also challenging because we didn't speak English.
In college, I first started at UCLA. I wasn't performing well because I was also working and my commute was far. I made the decision to transfer and finish my master's degree at a closer school so that I could keep working and also succeed in school.