Andrea Norris

Throughout all of NASA's missions and programs --from research that is fundamental to future missions to scientific discovery that captures the world's imagination, information technology is pervasive. But the real value of information technology is its ability to enable us to deliver our programs in ways never before possible, and to deliver capabilities that are critical to achieving NASA's mission. At NASA, we approach information technology from three perspectives; and there are opportunities for people to excel in each: research and development, building and delivering systems and capabilities, and improving how we manage information technology.

First, every day NASA conducts exciting research to develop new applications and capabilities that can used by our missions or, in some cases, to hand off to industry where there may be commercial appeal. For example, NASA is a leader in developing the Next Generation Internet, accelerating delivery of new technologies that will make the Internet work faster, and be more reliable. Some of the most talented researchers in information technology in the world work here at NASA - specializing in such areas as intelligent reasoning, modeling technologies, and automated software development. These specialists focus their research in innovative and promising technologies and disciplines and, based on their many years of experience and education, are world-class experts in their field of study.

The second area of information technology is in the day-to-day delivery of computers, systems, and system resources needed to deliver our missions and run the Agency. To do this, NASA develops and operates a very complex set of networks and ground control systems that are used to support our spacecraft, satellites, and supporting activities. Consider for a moment all of the different kinds of computers and computing resources that it takes to build and launch the new International Space Station, the first permanent home for long-duration research in space. People involved in these jobs are experts in telecommunications and networks, and almost all varieties of software applications, operating environments, and hardware systems. One of NASA's challenges is our ability to attract enough people that have the right technical skills to build and operate these complex systems. At the same time, our folks that run our systems are constantly challenged by how fast technology is changing -- today's technology will be obsolete tomorrow, and are constantly working to keep their skills current.

The third area of information technology is in strategic planning and management of information technology. At NASA, looking at ways to improve how we strategically manage and deliver information technology is the primary role of the Chief Information Officer. Being a Chief Information Officer is a tough, but an exciting job. Each day offers different challenges and opportunities. Much of my time is spent meeting and talking with groups of people to look for ways for NASA to use information technology more effectively. Opportunities may range from creating new policies or procedures, doing better planning, building better systems, evaluating new business models for service delivery, or providing better training. In general, the Chief Information Officer acts as a bridge between technology and business worlds. You must be able to look strategically at how an organization works and the processes it follows, and be able to advocate how technology can enable better ways of doing business. In addition, you must have enough technical expertise to translate new developments in technology into strategies that help your organization meet its mission. Most of the initiatives we sponsor at NASA result in inevitable change in our culture, structure, and processes. As a result a Chief Information Officer must have strong communication skills and be able to effectively influence people to adopt new approaches in the midst of a continually changing environment.

We are now facing a new age of information technology that is changing the way we live faster than at any other time in history. Faster, easier access to Government information and services is the promise information technology brings to government. The Government is investing heavily to deliver electronic services to the citizen using the Web to let citizens find information about programs and services, file their taxes, and share their views on new proposals or laws. This is just the beginning of how we will make Government more accessible and useful to the people. Each of these steps will cut red tape, make Government more responsive to the needs of citizens, and expand opportunities for participation in our democracy. But to do this, we need talented young women (and men) to develop and apply their skills in math, science, and technology to help us transform government into an efficient and customer friendly Government for the future. This is just the beginning and there is an unprecedented opportunity for talented young women in this adventure.

Outside of my life at NASA, I have a very active and busy life as a wife and mother of young children, (a 9 year old son and a 7 year old daughter). Our family life is quite hectic as we are involved in soccer (yes, I am a "Soccer Mom"), dance, choir, basketball, Girl Scouts, and church and neighborhood activities. It is often very difficult to juggle all of these responsibilities, and I find that maintaining the right balance is an ongoing challenge. One of the things we have done that is somewhat unique relates to how we work childcare issues. For the last several years, we have participated in an international au pair program. The program allows a young woman from another country to come and live with our family, and attend school, in return for providing childcare during the week. We have had four different au pairs ( they can stay only for 12 months ) from Germany, France, and the Czech Republic. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us, and we have learned how similar people are, regardless of the culture or country you are from. Although I love my work, my family and friends are most important to me, and my approach to maintaining sanity is to always keep them as my number one priority.

My advice to young women is quite simple: spend enough time in self-discovery to understand what your skills and strengths are and focus your energies in applying those skills on interests you feel very passionate about. The range of exciting work in the field of technology is open and the opportunities are endless. Whether you are focused on a particular type of computer, software, and technical skill, or whether you are focused on working with people to apply technology to make their jobs and lives better, there is a place for you. Stay focused, always be open to learning new skills and talents, and be ready for an exciting and unpredictable ride - it will be fun!!