Jill M. Marlowe
JILL M. MARLOWE, '88
Digital Transformation Officer, NASA
Where I've been in my career and where I'm going... I started as a structural analyst designing submarines with General Dynamics Electric Boat and later space-based remote sensing instruments at NASA, became interested in next gen design/analysis approaches to enable engineering teams to create better solutions together using better information, went on to lead engineering and research organizations with particular focus on long-term engineering capability strategies... and all of that led me to my current role as Digital Transformation Officer at NASA, where I focus on how we can/will take advantage of digital advances to deliver next gen missions to the nation.
Fondest memories of AOE...
Senior design team late nights.
Favorite Virginia Tech tradition...
The annual upper quad corps vs civilian snowball fight!
Who inspired you to become an engineer?
My dad, who was a nuclear engineer. While I maybe didn't appreciate exactly what he did at the office, he definitely encouraged me to challenge myself particularly with math and science.
Challenges you've had to overcome in aerospace engineering...
My career started in the days of formal "affirmative action" programs, and it was pretty typical that I was almost always the only woman in the room or one of two or three - that was my normal. And while for the most part, my colleagues treated me as a respected peer, I always had this hidden insecurity that I was getting an opportunity or being recognized with an award BECAUSE I was the "token" woman and not because I was the best engineer. It took time and a great (male) mentor for me to stop thinking that way and to just show up and engage with my expertise and let my work speak for itself. And even longer for me to appreciate that my being a woman in fact does mean that I do have different life experiences and ways of thinking about and solving problems, and different perspectives strengthen teams and what we can accomplish.
Faculty member who had the biggest impact on you...
There were many, but I remember Dr. Neu fondly through the hair-raising part-time job he gave me to drive the tow tank rig for his research on selfrighting catamarans. He took the time to explain the research, how the experiments he was doing would answer key questions, ask my opinions and generally made me feel like I was a full team member and my role was key to the overall success of the effort - not just a part time, green, minimum wage, student lab tech. That tenet that we are all just playing positions on a team where every role is important, from the quarterback to the uniform manager, is something I've carried forward.
"I wish I knew then"...
Do not underestimate the importance of strong two-way communication skills - great ideas go nowhere if you cannot communicate them, and they do not improve if you cannot actively listen and be open to feedback. Volunteer early and often for communication roles, and invest in learning these skills (classes, books, etc). It will pay huge dividends, no matter what path your career takes you down.
How AOE equipped you for the "real world"...
AOE made me a systems thinker, and the real world is made of "systems" with lots of interdependencies. Its helped me think about how to solve complex problems.
What you miss most about Virginia Tech...
Fall colors, football games and Hokie stone!
How do you stay connected with fellow Hokies?
I really enjoy coming back to campus at least twice a year for AOE Advisory Board meetings - staying connected with the department, catching up with fellow AOE alum and seeing our fingerprints on the world, and meeting the next generation of students.
Current project that you're most excited about...
We are working on a strategy and action plan to transform the way NASA does engineering, working with lots of external partners, taking advantage of things like data analytics, artificial intelligence, multi-physics analysis, high end computing, and probabilistics/uncertainty quantification... making all of that practical for practicing engineers to take advantage of as they aim to design increasingly complex missions in shorter and shorter timeframes, more affordably than ever before. These kinds of breakthroughs are just on the horizon!
A woman who helped you get to where you are...
Lesa Roe, whom I met when she was a NASA Center Director and I was a junior supervisor... multiple times in my career she challenged me to take on stretch assignments outside my comfort zone, gave me creative space to come up with the solutions, provided sage council, and backed me up in driving actions. I definitely would not have learned to take career risks (and that I could rise to them) without her mentorship.
Advice to current women studying in AOE...
Its okay to be the only one to order a lemon drop martini in a room full of beer drinkers. We don't find new ways of solving elusive problems when everyone thinks the same way. You bring unique perspectives to the team as a woman - we need to actively recruit different perspectives to join aerospace to find the breakthroughs that will power our future. So embrace your difference, and surround yourself with people who will challenge you and the team - we are stronger together!