Tonight's LiveChat Guest: Wanda Harding

By Susan Giblin, INSPIRE, KSC

The Live Chat this Thursday, April 8, will be open to all grades and will be hosted by Wanda Harding from the Flight Projects Office at Kennedy Space Center. Ms. Harding will chat with INSPIRE students about the role of Expendable Launch Vehicles in the exploration of space. Ms. Harding is the mission manager of the Flight Projects Office of the Launch Services Program
Wanda did not always plan a career in space science. As a child in Atlanta, Georgia, Wanda often dreamed about becoming a concert pianist. It wasn't until she enrolled in a science-focused high school that she discovered her interest in engineering. "I was motivated by the challenge. It was something different, so I decided to try it out," she said. She still finds time for music by playing piano for the children's choir at her church.
After high school, Wanda earned a bachelor's degree from Hampton University and master's degree from Georgia Institute of Technology, both in electrical engineering. She credits her parents with inspiring her to pursue her dreams. "My parents were both educators and excellent role models. They were also people that met challenges, and by doing so, have set a good example, not only for me, but for others as well," she said.
For young people who would like to follow in her footsteps, Wanda offers two pieces of advice: major in a math or science-related field and do your best to become a well-rounded person. "Because you will interact and interface with all types of people, it is certainly to your advantage to have exposure to other fields beyond your immediate major," she said.
Wanda hopes to inspire the next generation of space explorers. "The next chapter of my life may even include someday becoming a high school physics or math teacher," she said.