Abstract:
Systems Engineering: What you need to know but didn't know you needed to know
n NASA's core role of executing complicated, cutting-edge missions, we are highly reliant on using established policies, standards and disciplined engineering and management processes to ensure consistency in execution at all levels. The speaker will argue that such reliance is absolutely necessary but unless balanced with other qualities and skills, it is as likely to lead to failure as success. In order to both do the right job and do it right, other qualities such as creativity, leadership and intellectual curiosity must be recognized and encouraged. Some of the myths and gaps in the way we describe what we do will be explored.
Biography:
Since August 2007, Dr. Ryschkewitsch has served as the Chief Engineer of NASA after serving as the Deputy Center Director for NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, since 2005. He joined NASA in 1982 as a cryogenics engineer to work on the Cosmic Background Explorer mission, held a number of management positions and supported many projects, such as the Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Missions and the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe. He earned his bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Florida, Gainesville, in 1973 and a doctorate from Duke University, Durham, N.C., in 1978.