Hina Kazmi has led an impressive career since earning her aerospace engineering degree from Embry-Riddle in 1993: from spacecraft engineer at Boeing to program manager for NASA’s SOFIA airborne telescope. She is now working in Northrop Grumman’s Tactical Space Systems Division and teaches public policy at George Mason University.

We discussed how space exploration can unite humanity; her thoughts on the intersection of engineering and public policy; and the relationship between public and private interests in space. We also talked about how the classic novel Moby Dick weaves technical aspects of whaling with commentary on the human condition.