Lori Garver

Getting money for space exploration is never easy, but it's not the first thing Lori Garver took a swing at.

Learn how this teen tennis player grew up to find cool ways to learn lessons from Mars.

"Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon when I was 8 years old. For me, space has always been another place for humanity to do business, explore and expand."
Lori Garver

Spotlight: Science

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Considering a career in mission planning...

When you were a teen what did you want to be?
At 16 my aspirations were limited to getting grades that were high enough to be accepted at a good college and beating Sandy Surtman for the 1st singles slot on the tennis team. (I was accepted at every college I applied to, but never made it out of the 2nd singles slot on the tennis team).

My focus did not turn to space until I worked for the John Glenn Presidential Committee in Washington, DC in 1984.

What first captured your imagination about space?
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon when I was 8 years old. For me, space has always been another place for humanity to do business, explore and expand. I feel that one of the important aspects of a career is to help make the world a better place.

The inspiration of space for me is its potential for doing just that. Everyone I have ever spoken with who has traveled to space has remarked on the fragility of the planet and has returned with a new world view and with a new respect for our environment.

What is a typical work day like for you?
I am responsible for planning NASA's future missions. I work with the White House and Congress to assure that NASA programs operate within national priorities.

In addition, I archive all NASA historical documents and work with researchers who study and publish works on the space program.

What's your favorite part of the job?
When I go home and tell my kids that I worked on helping the astronauts discover new improvements in combustion, which help preserve precious resources and improve the environment.

I also enjoy the feeling that my work contributes to a better future. Much of my work is associated with assuring valuable tax dollars are spent on programs that will lead to discoveries that help make the world a better place.

What would you recommend to someone who is interested in your line of work?
Space policy work is a limited, but exciting field. A technical background, while not required, would be useful, but most important is a willingness and openness to learn.

The field is changing to keep up with new technology, so if you do not like change, this is not the field for you. A love of people is necessary. You may not get rich, but you will be able to feel good about your contribution to a better future.

What qualities does someone need to do your job?
Personal qualities necessary to do my job include: mediation and negotiation skills, a sense of humor and a thick skin. High "E.Q." (emotional intelligence) skills go a long way, as no one person can effect change in Washington.

To effect major change requires working with many different individuals in various organizations at all levels. Your personal integrity is necessary to maintain credibility and a seat at the table.

What advice would you give to youth today on setting and reaching their goals?
Don't be too frustrated if you haven't figured out your goals, even in college. My best advice is to choose something that you enjoy. You will always do best at things you enjoy.

If you focus on getting a good solid education in a field you enjoy, you'll have the tools to reach goals that you might set in the future.

-- interview conducted December 1999