Jen Fowler
FireSense Project Manager, NASA
Former Director of UM Autonomous Aerial Systems Office
Field: Physics of flying machines
"I knew I wanted to be in science when I was in 8th grade working on my first science fair project: a motorized go-cart."
In high school, I had the opportunity to take an astronomy course to learn about space and spend time in an observatory using a telescope to observe stars and galaxies - an experience that greatly solidified my interest in physics. I studied physics in college and I use that in my current job, where I fly high altitude balloons, manned aircraft, and unmanned aerial systems like drones.
The best part about my job is helping Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ and faculty use aircraft to ask research questions and collect data. The hardest part about my job is explaining all the flight regulations we have to follow. I particularly enjoy field measurement campaigns where we see all our days of long preparations result in data that has an impact on our lives. I try to regularly remind myself the play is also an important component of our workday. I enjoy skiing or hiking on my own time and training on the flight simulator at work!