Breaking barriers in space science | The Final Word

Summary

Dr. Gay Jane Perez, Deputy Director General of the Philippine Space Agency, discusses her journey from physicist to space scientist, emphasizing the practical applications of space science that improve life on Earth. She addresses the underrepresentation of women in the field, highlighting the lack of role models and societal stereotypes as barriers. Perez encourages young women to pursue their dreams in STEM, sharing her work on landmark satellites and her current focus on building the Philippine Space Agency's research culture and satellite projects for environmental monitoring and disaster response.

Takeaways

• 🌌 Dr. Gay Jane Perez is a physicist and the Deputy Director General of the Philippine Space Agency, demonstrating women's significant contributions to space science.
• 🔬 Her training in physics equipped her with skills to analyze data and understand nature, which she applied to her work with Earth observation satellite data at NASA.
• 🌟 Dr. Perez emphasizes the practical applications of space science and technology that improve life on Earth, beyond just astronomical observations.
• 🚀 Despite being underrepresented, with only 15 out of 67 participants in major satellite projects being women, Dr. Perez is part of a global average where women make up one in five workers in the space sector.
• 👩‍🏫 The lack of role models and awareness about career opportunities in space science and engineering are identified as reasons for the low number of women in the field.
• 📢 The Philippine Space Agency is actively working to address these issues through social media campaigns and space education awareness programs.
• 💪 Dr. Perez challenges stereotypes that physics, engineering, and math are masculine or difficult subjects, urging the unlearning of these beliefs to support women and girls in these fields.
• 🛰️ She discusses the importance of building a highly skilled workforce to deal with complex, interdisciplinary problems in space technology.
• 🌱 Dr. Perez is currently focusing on administrative roles to build the foundation for research culture and the future of the Philippine Space Agency.
• 📡 The agency is developing projects like the Mula satellite for environmental monitoring, agriculture, and disaster response, showcasing the practical applications of space technology.
• 👩‍🚀 Her message to young women is to pursue their dreams and passions in space technology, and to consider advanced degrees to excel in the field.

Q & A

What inspired Dr. Gay Jane Perez to pursue a career in space science?

Dr. Perez was inspired by her training as a physicist and the opportunity to do postdoctoral studies at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, where she could analyze Earth observation satellite data and appreciate the practical applications of space science and technology.

How does Dr. Perez view the importance of space science and technology?

Dr. Perez sees space science and technology as having practical applications that improve life on Earth, beyond just looking at the stars or sending astronauts into orbit.

What is the global average of women working in the space sector according to Dr. Perez?

Dr. Perez states that the global average of women working in the space sector is one out of five workers.

What are some reasons for the low number of women in space science and engineering according to Dr. Perez?

Dr. Perez suggests that a lack of role models and a general lack of awareness about career opportunities in space science and engineering contribute to the low number of women in the field.

How does Dr. Perez think stereotypes affect women's performance in STEM fields?

Dr. Perez believes that stereotypes that suggest math, engineering, and physics are masculine or difficult subjects undermine women's performance by making them believe they can't excel in these fields.

What does Dr. Perez think is necessary to change the underrepresentation of women in STEM?

Dr. Perez emphasizes the need to unlearn stereotypes to help women and girls excel in STEM fields.

What are the key skills required to work in satellite development according to Dr. Perez?

Dr. Perez mentions that in addition to depth of expertise, skills such as teamwork, project management, collaboration, and good communication are essential in satellite development.

What is Dr. Perez's current role at the Philippine Space Agency?

Dr. Perez is taking on more of an administrative role, focusing on building the research culture and foundation of the Philippine Space Agency.

What projects is Dr. Perez currently working on at the Philippine Space Agency?

Dr. Perez is involved in projects like the development of the Mula satellite and using space data for monitoring the environment, agriculture, and disaster response.

What message does Dr. Perez have for young girls interested in space technology?

Dr. Perez encourages young girls to pursue their dreams and passions, explore opportunities, and consider pursuing advanced degrees like a Master's or a doctorate.

How does Dr. Perez view her contribution to the Philippines' space program?

Dr. Perez sees her current contribution as laying the groundwork for the Philippine Space Agency to thrive in space science, technology, and its applications.