Mars

Don't forget to try out experiments for yourself, take things apart and see how they work, and ask critical questions.

"I've always gazed up at the stars and wondered what else is out in our solar system and beyond."

"The important thing about being a scientist or an engineer is learning how to think critically – learning how to learn."

"Enjoy every opportunity you have to learn and make it a point to be involved in the most challenging projects."

I've been interested in space science for almost as long as I can remember. I grew up watching the various "Star Trek" series ("Next Gen" started when I was two-years old), and the idea of studying stars and planets grew from there. 

I decided that my dream was to work for NASA, even if there weren't any girls there yet. Someday there would be, and I was going to be one.

"Find out what you're passionate about and follow it. If you're not sure, explore as many experiences as you can to find what inspires your passion and sense of wonder."

"In our line of work, Earth is another planet, the one we know best."

"There is no substitute for persistence. You must get all the training you need, and you must do well at it... that's a given."

"By fifth grade, my first long-term goal was set – I was on a mission to become a mechanical engineer and work at JPL."

"Be curious about everything -- take every opportunity that presents itself to learn new things."

For Robert Mase, new Dawn Project Manager, the challenge of managing the many facets of a spacecraft whose trajectory is constantly changing is similarly exciting.

"The Ranger missions looked a lot more exciting to me than what I was doing at the time, and so I sent my resume off to JPL. I've been here ever since."

"A project scientist works out how to make everyone, if not exactly happy, at least agreeable to a solution."

Don't be afraid to push yourself and learn new skills, yet don't be afraid to ask for help and collaborate.

Ask lots of questions. Be persistent. And never stop exploring your options.

"Flight missions are particularly exciting to me because I feel like I am on the front lines of exploration."

Just be committed, be passionate about it, and you will find a way to be involved in space exploration.

"I am part of the Mission and Navigation Design team for the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Project"

"Many different technical and scientific skills are needed to plan and implement the planetary missions we work on."

"Never stop learning -- this will leave your mind open and inquisitive. Curiosity is your best ally."

Nagin Cox grew up hearing that girls were “worthless”—so she set her sights on NASA and never looked back.

"Take advantage of any opportunities presented to you – you never know how that bit of experience will help you in the future."

"I've been paid to take pictures of Mars every day...I've watched rockets take off, and seen things I've built fly to other planets. How much more fun does one need?"

"Remember that there are often many paths to get to where you want to go. The trick is finding one that is suitable for you. Let your curiosities and interests in STEM be the battery that powers you."

"I would advise following the three "Ps:" Be Passionate. Be Patient. Be Perseverant!"

Science, math and engineering can be hard sometimes, so it's really important to find the fun stuff that makes you excited to learn more. The bonus is that science, math and engineering are part of almost everything, so it's usually pretty easy to apply them to the things you love to do."

Stay curious about the way things work in the world. Educate yourself. Be tenacious in your curiosity.

Mamta advises the Chief Scientist in the areas of exploration and science performed by humans in space.

Scientific curiosity should be like an itch—you can't sleep at night until you find the right answer.

"Always try different things, and be open to an evolution of your interests."

"So much of what I do is made possible by my curiosity and my passion for learning."

If you're like me and everything sounds interesting, then go and do those things.

"I pretty much came out of the womb knowing that I was interested in space science...it's either this or insanity."

"It is never too late to discover your life's passion, and once you have made this discovery, it is never too soon to start pursuing it."

"Work hard as an undergraduate, but don't restrict yourself to getting just a technical background."

"Never turn down opportunities to learn new things. Always keep an open mind when someone gives you constructive criticism."

there is absolutely no substitute for being determined.

"Work hard, and don’t give up on what is worth fighting for."

Kuiper studied the planets... at a time when they were scarcely of interest to other astronomers.

"I grew up in a small town where working at NASA was unheard of. I worked hard, persevered, and eventually made it to where I am despite many obstacles along the way."

Eric pioneered the use of stereo HDTV, IMAX, and digital cinema technology for the visualization of planetary surfaces and atmospheres.

"It’s important to do the best that you can in whatever field you go into and be passionate about it."

"Be curious! Learn something about the field you are interested in, whether by reading a book, taking a course, joining a club, etc. Exploring your interests will help you find your career path."

"Be resilient and persistent."

"Follow what you're passionate about, and it'll eventually lead you to your happiness – your true happiness, your true joy in life."

"I strongly believe that for everyone there is a somewhere out there— a place and a job for them."

Look for ways to help to make things happen.

"When we explore space, we are not leaving Earth behind; rather, we are also discovering more about ourselves and our home planet."

Dr. David S. McKay, passed away peacefully on 20 February 2013. He was 77.

"Training yourself to be an expert in a single technique can be risky because it can lead to becoming a one-trick pony."

Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere.

Study lots of math. Math is the language of science.

Bruce C. Murray, the fifth director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, was born in New York City in 1931.

"I am sure there are many just like me who felt this way while looking at the immenseness of space through clear and dark skies."

"The great thing about being at NASA is that there are jobs for all types—whether it's engineering, science, finance, communication, law."

"Geology was really cool to me, because I could go out into the field, look at the outcrop and try to figure out what was going on there."

"Creating something and watching it take flight was the coolest thing I had ever seen."

"Bottom line in my opinion: The Project Manager's major responsibility is the quality of the team."

"The ability to reason through any issue, whether in science or in life, makes you a better scientist, engineer and citizen."

"As funny as it sounds, NASA robots inspired me: Viking and Voyager."

"There's no magic to becoming a planetary scientist or engineer -- just motivation, dedication and lots of teamwork."

Don't be afraid of what you don't know, and remember that it's always okay to ask for help.

"Don't be too focused on one goal. I think so much of what makes a person unique is all the serendipitous opportunities that they pursue."

"The sky is not the limit -- only the beginning."

Pursue the life you want to live, but don't be afraid to try something you never thought you would try or thought you could do.

"The wonderful part of working at JPL is that perfection isn't expected; however, progression is expected."

"I wanted to conquer space. And my roommate, Roy Walford, decided that he would conquer death. Together we would then conquer time."