GLORIA YAMAUCHI

I run large computer programs which simulate the air flow around the blades. I also participate in wind tunnel and flight tests where the helicopter loads and noise are measured. By studying computational results and experimental measurements, I try to determine if helicopter noise can be reduced and performance improved through either design changes or through operational changes.

Helicopter research is multi-disciplinary. There are equations which approximate the helicopter motion and the air flowing around the helicopter. To understand these equations, I must be familiar with math, physics, dynamics, aerodynamics, and structures.

Working at NASA is never boring and I am constantly learning something new. The most enjoyable aspect of working at NASA-Ames is being surrounded by unique facilities (e.g. world's largest wind tunnels) and researchers working on state-of-the art technology. Also, NASA provides many opportunities to further your education and to receive training in specific areas.

I start my day by reading my electronic mail and making note of any upcoming meetings or interesting seminars. I also check my calendar for the day's meetings. I usually make a short "to do" list before I go home the previous evening, so that when I arrive to work in the morning, I know where I left off the day before. For the past year, I have been mainly working on a computational fluid dynamics project, which means I spend a lot of time running calculations on the computer and looking at the results. When I need a break from this project, I try to make some progress on other projects, such as analyzing helicopter noise measurements, or working on reports from previous experiments. Also, in order to stay informed of what other reseaerchers in my field are doing, I try to read relevant technical papers. Reading technical papers is a very important part of being a researcher. Staying informed of the progress of other researchers helps me make progress in my own research.

Math was always one of my favorite subjects, but I did not particularly enjoy sciences such as biology and chemistry. By a process of elimination, I eventually wound up majoring in mechanical engineering.

I can remember one incident when I was in high school. I was selecting classes for my sophomore year. I wanted to take electronics, but my counselor advised me not to. He said there would be no girls except me in the class. He suggested I take accounting instead. At the time, I was easily intimidated, so I did as he suggested. Accounting turned out to be somewhat interesting, but definitely not for me. I always regretted that I did not take the electronics class.

Lack of self-confidence was a major obstacle for me. I was always worried that I would not perform well in college or on the job and subsequently disappoint my family, friends, and my managers. This mode of thinking is ultimately self-defeating and not productive. Always do your best, but do not blame yourself if your best efforts fall short of your expectations - you tried your best and that is what matters! Be content with who you are and do not try to please all the people in your life all the time.

I got married in 1988 and we bought our first house several months later. Since our house is very old and was a "fixer-upper" at the time of purchase, one of my main hobbies, by default, is home repair. Beyond the home repair scene, I play a lot of basketball and softball. I also enjoy fishing very much. I started surf fishing when I was very small. Within the last 7 years or so, I have branched out into fly fishing. Another sport I recently became addicted to is golf, which is more challenging than any sport I've tried!

I am a firm believer in community service. I have participated in the NASA Ames mentor program for the past three years. Through the program, I became a mentor to a young girl from a local elementary school. Besides helping her with her homework, we also do some fun things together like going to the movies, the park, or shopping.

I think having a mentor or someone I could talk to about different career choices would have helped me a lot. I did not know what I wanted to do with my life and I was not aware of the variety of career choices that were available. Also, meeting professional women in non-traditional careers would have provided me with some inspiration and self-confidence to pursue studies/classes dominated by males. (I pursued them anyway, but a little support would have helped a lot!)

Just a little advice: It is NEVER too late to pursue your dreams!

Webcast/Webchat Archives:

• 11-10-98 QuestChat
• VTODTWD Webcast - April 23, 2002