NASA Faces of Technology: Meet Lauren Best Ameen

Lauren Ameen, an aerospace engineer at NASA's Langley Research Center, is part of the team responsible for the design and development of technologies for the Artemis program. The program aims to land "the first woman and the next man" on the moon by 2024.

Lauren's journey to becoming an aerospace engineer was not straightforward. Despite having an early interest in aviation, her career took a detour when she pursued a degree in Business Administration. However, she later returned to her first love by obtaining a degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Ameen's work involves conducting wind tunnel tests and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to understand the aerodynamics of spacecraft during various stages of a mission. Her work is vital to ensuring the safety and success of future space missions.

Despite the challenges and high stakes involved in her work, Ameen enjoys her role. She is particularly gratified by the opportunity to contribute to the Artemis program, which she views as a stepping stone to future human exploration of Mars.

Ameen encourages young girls interested in STEM to pursue their dreams. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, hard work, and a positive attitude in achieving success. She is a true testament to the power of following one's passion and making a difference in the world.