Question: what made you want to be a scientist and how did you come to work for N.A.S.A?

Sara Imari Walker answered on 10 Jun 2011:

Hi fuunkeemonkey! You are asking some great questions today =) I didn’t know I wanted to be a scientist when I was a kid. I actually didn’t decide on it until I was around 17, when I took my first physics class. I became so fascinated by the subject that I had to learn more!! This was in part due to a great teacher I had who really inspired me to think about how our universe works. It always pays to have a good mentor!

I did my first NASA project as an undergraduate student in Florida. I volunteered to spearhead a project to investigate getting water from lunar soil. This was an awesome opportunity – it was an entirely student team and we made the national finals getting the opportunity to present our work at Kennedy Space Center. I didn’t get involved with NASA again until 5 years later. Now they sponsor me through their astrobiology program which is absolutely fantastic! Like the first time I got involved with NASA projects, this time around is due to me seeking out the opportunity. I found a postgraduate scholarship I could apply for and went for it! Fortunately NASA liked my ideas and decided to fund them =) I feel so fortunate. It pays to work hard and be diligent!! There are so many great opportunities out there!!