There are some truly fascinating jobs out there. What Do You Do? aims to highlight unique jobs and the interesting men and women behind them. The goal? To encourage the next generation to pursue work that inspires them through relatable role models.
Kristen Facciol is an aerospace engineer with the Canadian Space Agency.
I am an Aerospace Engineer and have worked primarily in the field of space robotics. I started as part of the Systems team designing the Next Generation Canadarm and then moved to Montreal to work on the robotics systems on the International Space Station (ISS). I started as an Analyst, and moved on to become an Engineering Support Lead. Within this role, I was also part of the team that trains flight controllers and astronauts on how to use Dextre as well as Canadarm2--two of the Canadian contributions to the ISS. I now work for the Canadian Space Agency with the Payloads group on the design and use of systems that are used for human research on-board the ISS. These projects look at the effects of the space environment on the human body and how we can mitigate them, all while using the same findings to help an aging and sedentary population here on Earth.
What attracted you to this kind of work?
I, like most people, looked up at the stars and wondered what was out there and how we were going to get there. At the same time, I've looked at what we have become and wondered where we came from, lending to my interest in biology. The intersection of these two fields will be of utmost importance as we reach further into our universe in that we will be able to understand the limitations of our bodies, as well as have the required technologies to move beyond these limitations. Ultimately though, I have always had an interest in critical thinking and problem solving, and wanted to pursue the type of work that would constantly exercise my mind. I truly enjoy the technical aspects of my job and the constant need to learn, evolve, and adapt to new methods and technologies.
Your work requires some pretty rigorous schooling and training. How did you stay motivated throughout?
I would be lying if I said that I didn't intentionally pick my program in university based largely on the fact that it was known for being the most challenging program in Canada and one of the best in the world. Engineering Science at the University of Toronto not only offered a challenge, but the ability to major in various up and coming engineering fields. However, the most valuable offering was the network of people that came with the program. My classmates became my closest friends and we were always looking to help each other succeed; they were the main source of motivation. I also have an incredibly supportive family that was always encouraging, but more importantly, understanding of how I reacted to stress. Once I got into the workplace and started going through all of the training and certification required, my motivation was knowing that at the end of all of it, I would be working on the Canadian Space Station Program, and would actually be able to fulfill my childhood dream of working on the Canadarm.
Why do you think young women are turned off by STEM subjects?
There are a few major reasons why young women are turned off by STEM subjects: the media does a terrible job portraying women in these fields or showing that you can have a career in STEM as well as a family; there is a severe lack of female role models; and there is still a mentality present in the workplace that will push women away even once they are in. Being a female in a predominantly male field is not easy, and I honestly scoffed at people that warned me about it when I first decided to pursue a career in engineering. The unfortunate thing is that no one admits it's a problem and not enough people are willing to talk about it.
What kind of skills come in handy for you that may not be directly related to your job?
One important thing that has absolutely helped me in my career, is the ability to communicate my ideas clearly. Whether it was the first professor I approached for a research position, the networking events I have attended, or the countless technical presentations I have had to deliver, they all come down to one fundamental thing: you need to convince people to buy what you're selling. This works on two levels, though--selling a product and selling your abilities, both of which are very important. Soft skill development in general is something that is often overlooked and opportunities to develop these should always be taken. Adapting to a constantly evolving environment, whether from a technical standpoint or the team you are working with, is also crucial. Working with new people is equally, if not more challenging, than working with new technologies. There is a certain level of empathy required, and with this should come the ability to compromise. You will always face conflicting personalities and opinions in the workplace, and it is important to maintain focus on the goals of the team, rather than the goals of the individual.
What's your message to young women who want to make a difference, but are hesitant to commit to the rigours of STEM fields?
The one message I have always tried to convey is that nothing or no one should ever stop you from doing what you are passionate about. If you have an interest or an ability and you are able to create a career out of it and make a difference in this world--do it. Do it regardless of people telling you that you can't, do it regardless of what society expects of you, do it because it will challenge you to grow, and do it because it might knock you down a few times. The things you work the hardest for are often the most rewarding.
Are you in an interesting line of work? Connect with me here: @kaviguppta.
