Space Spiels

Miguel Maya, currently an engineer at Blue Orgin, describes the creation of USC's Liquid Propulsion Lab. He tells Paige about his favorite projects in industry including working on the James Webb telescope. He emphasizes the importance of chasing what interests you and helping others learn. Miguel confirms the rewarding nature of the Aerospace industry and the amazing feeling of watching your work launch to space.

In today's episode, Paige is joined by Houston We Have a Podcast host: Gary Jordan. Gary describes the moment he realized space is for him, along with his experience in the NASA Pathways Program. He tells Paige how he created NASA Johnson Space Center's official podcast and describes his favorite interviews. Gary tells Paige about the transition to commercial space flight from a public affairs point of view. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of believing in yourself. What an amazing conversation.

Houston We Have a Podcast Episodes Mentioned:

Mars is Hard

Moon to Mars Architecture

The Untouched Apollo Samples

Caroline talks to Paige about her path to becoming an Engine Field and Launch Support Engineer at Aerojet Rocketdyne. Caroline started building certification rockets during her undergraduate education and talks about the importance of resilience amongst inevitable failures. She then touches on her journey in graduate school, along with her experience in collegiate rocketry. She has experienced the importance of community in both her time as a student and in industry. This is an amazing listen!

Links:

Caroline's LinkedIn

Gage and Paige have names that rhyme and talk about Gage's experience switching majors from Theater to Astronautical Engineering. Gage describes how he keeps that love for theater and music alive in his now STEM focused career. Paige asks him about his current internship at Lockheed Martin, including acquiring a security clearance. Gage shares what he is looking for in a future company after this experience. Lastly, we hear Gage's advice and how he combats his fear of being left behind.

Paige sat down with her friend Ethan to talk about: ALIENS. With a STEM background, Ethan takes a realistic approach on the topic. He describes military accounts of non-human spacecrafts and explains why they are compelling. Ethan also provides counter evidence while laughing with Paige and agreeing that some of this is crazy. However, Einstein was believed to be crazy too once, right...

Paige talks with Elle Barker, a rising Junior in Air Force (now Space Force!) ROTC at the University of Southern California. Elle talks about her experience growing up as a military dependent and going into USC's ROTC program. She speaks about helping found a student government for military associated community, along with spilling the pros and cons of the U.S. military in general. She wraps up by talking about her most meaningful connections and lessons. This is a MUST LISTEN.

check out JAMS student government at USC: https://engage.usc.edu/jams/home/

Elle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellebarker.jpg/#

Dr. Vahe Peroomian discusses his journey to becoming an Astronomy and Physics professor at the University of Southern California. He also explains the newest physics research using pulsars to measure gravitational waves and its significance. This episode is informative and entertaining. Click to listen!

Vahe's Website: https://www.vahep.com/

Paige had an amazing conversation with Armen Aroutiounian. So much more than a high school drop out, Armen has had a plethora of life experience outside of school, including pursuing music professionally. Armen speaks to the connections between music and his studies, elaborating on his deep rooted curiosity. He describes to Paige how he got here today and his enthusiasm for the future. This must-listen episode is incredibly inspiring!

Find Armen's LinkedIn Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armen-aroutiounian

Paige Kaufman talks TO HERSELF for the first time. She discusses why she gravitated towards Aerospace and the steps she has taken in the field, so far. Paige talks about making friends along with the imposter syndrome and comparison that stems from a top engineering program. This episode is a REAL conversation and provides background to the host you know and love.

Join Paige for the Space Spiels premier! Recent USC Astronautical Engineering master's graduate and Aerospace Corporation Intern, Michael Sola, shares the secrets to balancing a full-time job, school, and lab work. Mike explains his background, revealing a thread of drive and ambition. Mike is constantly working to do what he loves. He gives Paige advice on how to get right back on your feet after burning out along with what he would tell his 20 year old self. Mike concludes by sharing exciting news of an addition to his family and the most meaningful connection he has made in industry. You do not want to miss the start of this insightful podcast!

adopt a corgi, just like Mike: http://www.queensbeststumpydogrescue.org/