Unexpected Trajectory: Erin Sholl’s Path to Human Spaceflight Safety
Erin Sholl's Unconventional Path to Human Spaceflight Safety
Erin Sholl's journey to becoming the deputy chief of the Space Transportation Systems Division within the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston is a testament to the idea that career paths are rarely a straight line. From struggling with multiplication tables in elementary school to supporting the International Space Station from the Mission Control Center, her journey has been full of twists and turns.
Early Struggles and a Love for Math and Science
Despite her early difficulties in math and science, Sholl eventually grew to love and excel in both subjects. She planned to study chemical engineering in college – inspired by a love of chemistry and a favorite high school teacher – but discovered a greater affinity for physics once she arrived at Pennsylvania State University. She switched her major to aerospace engineering and soon met a classmate who had interned at Johnson. After that, Sholl declared, "The dream was born!"
First Position at Johnson and a New Challenge
Her first position at Johnson was as a trajectory operations officer for the Flight Operations Directorate. She spent six years supporting the space station on console in the Mission Control Center, describing the experience as "something out of the movies." When Sholl went looking for a new challenge, she landed in the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate.
A Key Role in Human Spaceflight Safety
"I was drawn to the Operations and Visiting Vehicles Branch because it had many similar aspects to my previous position – real-time operations and visiting vehicles," she said. "I worked various roles over the next 12 years, gradually taking on more responsibility, and eventually becoming a group lead, then branch chief." Sholl also served as acting deputy chief for the Space Habitation Systems Division, which oversees the Operations and Visiting Vehicles Branch. Her performance drew the attention of the Space Transportation Systems Division's chief. "He asked me to come be his deputy, and that is where I still am today!"
The Space Transportation Systems Division
The Space Transportation Systems Division provides system safety, reliability, and risk analysis for human spaceflight programs. The division works with the different program offices to reduce risk through technical assessments and guidance on Safety and Mission Assurance requirements throughout program and project lifecycles.
Leadership and Mentorship
Sholl works closely with the division chief to support strategic planning, budgeting, and operations. "A key part of my role is connecting with people – both inside and outside the division – to ensure smooth communication and representation of the team's needs," she said. She leverages her relationship-building and strategic thinking skills to lead initiatives that advance the division's and the directorate's goals and to mentor employees.
The Power of Mentorship
Sholl believes strongly in the power of mentorship. "Having various mentors, both formal and informal, has been so important throughout my career," she said. "Listening to what these people were saying about my strengths led me to a path I'd never considered because I hadn't seen those things in myself." Being a mentor and advocate for team members is one of Sholl's favorite parts of the leadership positions she has held, particularly as branch chief. "I really felt like I could connect with my people and advocate for them in a way that felt meaningful," she said.
Seeking Out Mentorship and Opportunities
She encourages young professionals to seek out mentors or opportunities to shadow colleagues in different roles. "Relationships are the key to everything," she said. "The more people you meet and the more you learn about different paths in space exploration, the better off you will be in your career."
Balancing Work and Family Life
Sholl also emphasized the importance of being open to trying new things, even if an opportunity seems to diverge from your expected career path. "I volunteer for everything because I am always eager to learn more and find out what else I might be good at and how else I can serve my team," she said. "I think it's easy to feel intimidated hearing about other people's career paths, because they often sound so perfectly planned and successful. You rarely hear about the pivots, setbacks, or decisions made for personal reasons."
Conclusion
Erin Sholl's journey to becoming the deputy chief of the Space Transportation Systems Division is a testament to the idea that career paths are rarely a straight line. Her experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate their own career path. By seeking out mentorship, being open to new opportunities, and leveraging her relationship-building and strategic thinking skills, Sholl has achieved great success in her career. Her story serves as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn, anyone can achieve their goals and make a meaningful impact in their field.
Explore More
For more information on Erin Sholl's work and the Space Transportation Systems Division, please visit the NASA website.
