29/03/2022
Dr. Ashley Greeley is a magnetospheric physicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. She studies electrons and protons that are trapped in the magnetic fields around the Earth.
“I study electrons and protons that are trapped in the magnetic fields around the Earth. The shape of the magnetic fields are somewhat doughnut-shaped – think of the shape that iron filings make surrounding a bar magnet. Mostly, those electrons and protons are happy to drift around the Earth, bounce from pole to pole, and gyrate in tiny circles around the magnetic field lines. Sometimes they get disrupted and can gain or lose energy or become lost into space or into Earth’s atmosphere (creating the beautiful aurora, for one example!) I study these types of particle changes using satellite data. I enjoy a mix of analysis and building my own satellites.”
Her advice for women entering a STEAM career:
“Stubbornness is a helpful trait when pursuing science. If you love the science, never give up. There will always be a reason not to keep going – whether it’s from a line of people telling you that you can’t or your own internal voice casting doubt on your dreams, but those aren’t the voices you should listen to. You *can* do it, and it only takes one person to give you a chance at the start of your career. Find your reasons to keep going and keep going back to them again and again.
Good things by and large happen to those who ask for what they want. Be involved in creating the future you want for yourself – you probably won’t drift into your goals. Sitting back and working hard is not enough. Apply for the internship. Ask for the raise. Move to the new city. I guess it can sum up to ‘foster the light in yourself so you can shine.’”
