First Hispanic Woman in Space Honored by U.S. State Department
(Dr. Ellen Ochoa's achievements cited at March 10 ceremony) (610)
By Jessica Allen
Washington File Staff Writer
Washington -- A "heroine and role model," a wife and mother, a
researcher and engineer
-- and the first Hispanic woman to travel in space, Dr. Ellen Ochoa
became this year's first Women's History Month honoree at the State
Department March 10 for her achievements and service to the United
States of America.
President Bush proclaimed that March 2003 would be designated as
Women's History Month, encouraging "all citizens to recognize the
countless American women whose efforts continue to enhance the
economic, social, and cultural life of our great nation."
The State Department has joined the President and the nation in
celebrating the accomplishments of American women through a series of
Open Forum programs that highlight the theme: "Women Pioneering the
Future."
Speaking for Secretary Powell, Principal Deputy for Civil Rights Gail
E. Neelon honored Dr. Ochoa as a pioneer who has helped pave the way
for women and minorities in the American space program. "Dr. Ochoa's
life has proved an inspiration for all Americans," she added.
According to the standard-setter, her motto has always been, "Only you
put limitations on yourself about what you can achieve--don't be
afraid to reach for the stars!" It was having this mindset, Dr. Ochoa
said, that helped her to achieve her goals, which included reaching
the stars.
Ochoa's achievements, however, began long before her service as an
astronaut. In 1981, when she received her doctoral degree in
Electrical Engineering from Stanford University in California, the
research she had conducted for her degree led to a patent for a
quality control optical system that is now used to detect defects
during a manufacturing process.
As if a patent and a doctorate from the one of the most respected
names in education weren't enough, five years later, while working as
a research engineer in California, Ochoa developed an optical system
that recognizes objects regardless of their position.
This second system further advanced manufacturing technology by
allowing robotic devices used in manufacturing to maneuver around
objects that previously would have been unrecognizable.
Despite this list of achievements, the humble Ochoa was surprised that
her application to the space program was accepted, "When I applied to
the space program, I knew that the job was one I could do and be happy
doing for the rest of my life, but I never suspected that they would
consider me for the job out of the thousands of applicants who
applied," she said.
Her selection proved of mutual benefit to her and the program as she
became an integral member of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA). In recognition of her contribution to NASA, she
was awarded a Medal for Exceptional Service (1997), the Outstanding
Leadership Medal (1995), multiple Space Flight Medals (1993, 1994,
1999), and two Space Act Tech Brief Awards (1992).
Ochoa is also an accomplished classical flutist. She received a
Student Soloist Award during her time at Stanford for her work with
the Stanford Symphony Orchestra. Ochoa also plays the role of wife and
mother to her husband, Coe, and two sons.
Dr.Ochoa has never been one to rest on her laurels and continues to
work in her community, spending much of her spare time visiting
schools to encourage students to study hard and not be afraid of
success.
Ochoa's advice to young people contemplating their futures is: "Always
try new things and a variety of things because you never know where
you'll end up in life or if your interests will change."
(The Washington File is a product of the Office of International
Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site:
http://usinfo.state.gov)
