The AAS Committee on the Status of Women in Astronomy and
the AAS Employment Committee have compiled dozens of
interviews highlighting the diversity of career trajectories available to
astronomers, planetary scientists, etc. The interviews share advice and lessons
learned from individuals on those paths.
Below is our interview with Melissa Morris,
an astronomer and planetary scientist
who is currently a NASA program officer
contracted through Artic Slope Technical Services.
For access to all our Career Profile Project
interviews, please visit http://aas.org/jobs/career-profiles. New
Career Profiles are posted approximately every month.
What field do you currently work in?
Astrophysics/astronomy/planetary
science/management
What is the job title for your current position?
Program Officer/Senior
Support Scientist
What is the name of your company/organization/institution?
NASA/Artic Slope
Technical Services
What city, state, and country do you live in? Work
in?
Tempe, AZ and Washington,
D.C.
What is the highest degree in astronomy/physics you
have received?
Ph.D.
What was your last academic position in
astronomy/physics?
Associate Professor of Physics, practicing as a
theoretical astrophysicist and planetary scientist.
What were the most important factors that led you
to (consider) leaving astronomy and/or academia?
Lack of institutional
support for women and low pay.
If you have made a career change, what was your
age at the time?
Made career change at 35
(returned to school) from accounting to astronomy. Employment as grad student began at age 42.
What, if any, additional training did you complete
in order to meet the qualifications?
B.S. in Physics, M.S. in
Physics, Ph.D. in astrophysics.
Describe job hunting and networking resources you
used and any other advice/resources.
AAS job register,
higheredjobs, meetings and conferences (networking).
What has been your career path since you completed
your degree?
Research/academic/management
What have been particularly valuable skills for
your current job that you gained through completing your degree?
Technical writing was
particularly valuable.
Describe a typical day at work.
So far in my new
position, I spend a typical day communicating with members of the research
community and my NASA colleagues planning peer-review of proposals submitted to
NASA solicitations. I also participate
in meetings within NASA’s Planetary Science Division during which matters of
importance to the division (including current and planned missions) are
discussed.
Do you still interact with people who work
(directly) in astronomy and/or are you still involved in astronomy in some way?
Yes.
There is a worry among those considering careers
outside of astronomy or academia that you can't "go back" and/or that
you feel that you betrayed advisors, friends, colleagues. Have you felt this
way?
Yes.
How many hours do you work in a week?
40-60
What is your level of satisfaction with your
current job?
High
What are the most enjoyable aspects of your job?
Least enjoyable?
Most: The ability to participate in a process that
advances and enables the science of astronomy/planetary science.
Least: As with any job, some tasks can be somewhat
tedious.
What do you like most about your working
environment? Dislike most?
Most: Supportive and collegial colleagues, flexible
hours, travel, and the ability to work remotely.
What opportunities does your job provide to be
creative and/or to take initiative?
Many opportunities. Even though new at this position, I am
treated respectfully and feel that my opinion is valued.
How satisfied are you with your work-life balance
in your current job?
Satisfied. At certain (expected) times the job requires
sacrifice, with little time left for “life”.
However, the flexibility of working hours allows this time to be
recouped when “crunch time” is over.
How family-friendly is your current position?
Very. My employer has been extremely understanding
of personal demands.
What advice do you have for achieving work-life
balance (including having a family)?
Recognize that at times extra hours must be
invested in your work, but ensure that you do take time when you can to achieve
balance.
What do you do for fun (e.g., hobbies, pastimes,
etc.)?
Hike, bike, read, video
games, paint, music.
Can we include your email address for people who
may want to contact you directly about your specific career route?
Sure: melissa.a.morris@nasa.gov
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