Team - Daniel H. Nguyen

WHAT DO YOU DO AS THE SDO THERMAL LEAD?

My function is to plan and coordinate thermal design and integration efforts from 5 thermal engineers in the team to meet the project design goals and schedule. I need to know and understand the mission design requirements to do the job.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

What I like most about my job is working with other engineers. SDO has a great team of energetic and very smart group of engineers.

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO WORK FOR NASA?

I wanted to work for NASA when I was in college. I thought working for NASA to send human and satellites to space to explore new worlds and new sciences is the coolest thing.

WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL AND WHAT DEGREES DID YOU GET?

I received the BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and went on to get the MS degree in Engineering Management from the University of Maryland, University College.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST JOB YOU EVER HAD?

I've had many jobs in my career starting from part time jobs like baby sitter, office cleaner, furniture maker, and office material printer. My first technical job was as a mechanical draftsmen's aid.

HOW DID YOU COME TO ACTUALLY WORK FOR NASA?

I channeled my career in such a way that I could work for private companies in the line of work that was applicable for NASA. Then when the opportunity presented, I applied for the job.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING FOR NASA?

I've been working at NASA for 18 years and 8 months but who's counting!!

SDO Thermal Lead

Undergrad: Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland

Masters: Engineering Management from the University of Maryland, University College