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Hi, my name is Mary Faller and I work in the System Engineering and Integration branch in the Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center. My job entails ensuring interfaces between the launch vehicle and spacecraft are defined and that these requirements have been properly implemented and verified prior to launch. So, we make sure that during the design and fabrication phase, that the spacecraft understands the launch vehicle environment along with any restrictions so that the spacecraft is a perfect fit to the launch vehicle. In other words, we make sure that when the spacecraft arrives at the launch site, whether it's Cape Canaveral, Vandenberg or Kodiak, that it fits on the rocket properly. If you can imagine, it's like ordering clothes out of a catalog without being able to try them on. When your clothes arrive, you can try them on and see if they fit. If they don't fit, you can just go to the post office and return them. With a spacecraft, it's not feasible to return it if it doesn't fit. We create an Interface Control Document, also known as the ICD, that lists all the agreed upon interfaces and their specifications so that there is no misunderstanding how the rocket and spacecraft will work together. We make sure that all the details are spelled out, so that both parties are clear on how they fit with one other. I coordinate and help resolve any issues or misunderstandings and make sure both parties are designing to our agreed-upon specifications. Once the spacecraft successfully separates from the launch vehicle, our job is complete. And, of course, the best part of my job is to work in the launch control center during the launch. The sound, suspense, and adrenaline is fantastic_ All during the countdown, the voice of the launch director is calmly reading the procedure over the net, while behind the scenes, on the other channels, there's frantic activity getting everything finished, buttoned up, and working last-minute problems. It's controlled chaos. During the whole countdown, you are mentally reviewing every single thing you've accomplished up to this point to make sure you've done everything humanly possible to successfully get here. The final count comes, and then “we have liftoff_” A hush comes over the room, all eyes are on the big screen and in your mind you're saying, “Go baby, go_” Your adrenaline is high and you can hear your heart pumping. Finally, you hear, “Spacecraft sep, we have a verified spacecraft separation” and the biggest smile you ever imagined comes over your face, the room erupts in cheering and you know you've had a part in that. It simply doesn't get any better than that. Here's my personal advice on what you should study in school if you want to work at NASA. First, follow your passion, take classes you enjoy and take your time deciding what you like. I've studied economics, accounting, business and Chinese. I finally settled on aerospace engineering very late in my education, but getting into NASA could easily have taken many routes. You don't have to be an engineer or astronaut to work at NASA. NASA needs all sorts of people to help us do our ultimate job of getting people and spacecraft up into space. We need scientists, lawyers, accountants, photographers, pilots and even public-relations people. So, don't limit yourself in any way. Study what you love, have an open mind and the rest will follow.