Three Indian-origin women to date have gone to space, making all of India and all women proud. However, there are women who contribute to NASA’s work and make all of this—and more—possible. Bhavya Lal, who got appointed as the Acting Chief of Staff at NASA in 2021, is a woman with extensive education and experience in engineering and space technology. Lal has achieved great heights in her STEM career and is an inspiration to women all over the world.
Here’s getting to know Bhavya Lal a little better and taking cues from a woman of such great brilliance like her.
Who is Bhavya Lal?
Currently, the Acting Chief of Staff at NASA, Lal holds several degrees in space technology and engineering. She has Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in nuclear engineering, a second MS degree in technology and policy—all from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She then went on to earn a doctorate in public policy and public administration from George Washington University and is also a proud member of the nuclear engineering and public policy honor societies.
Lal has several educational degrees, and many years of experience to boast of. A high achiever, she has been shattering glass ceilings and how.
The STEM and NASA journey of Bhavya Lal
Lal may have achieved global applause as the acting chief of staff at NASA only recently, but she has offered her expertise at the US space agency for 15 years between 2005 and 2020. She was part of the research staff at the Institute for Defence Analyses Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI) where she spearheaded the analysis of space technology, strategy, and policy for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and National Space Council as much as for federal space-oriented organisations, including NASA, the Department of Defence, and the intelligence community. She also assisted the Biden Presidential Transition Agency to transition under the administration of President Biden.
The STEM veteran is a member of the space technology and policy community. She has chaired, co-chaired, or served on many high-impact National Academy of Science committees. Lal has served the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing. She was also an External Council member of NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts Program and the Technology, Innovation and Engineering Advisory Committee of the NASA Advisory Council.
Before becoming a part of STPI, Lal was leading C-STPS LLC, a science and technology policy research and consulting firm. Before that, she spearheaded the Centre for Science and Technology Policy Studies at Abt Associates, a global policy research consultancy based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Lal has co-founded and is co-chair of the policy track of the American Nuclear Society’s annual conference on Nuclear and Emerging Technologies in Space (NETS).
Indian education system played a major role in Bhavya Lal’s life
Even though Lal went on to pursue higher education from one of the world’s most renowned institutes, she still is thankful for her formative years in India. “I went to Rosary School and DPS RK Puram in Delhi. The Indian school system emphasises STEM education, which is so critical to solving the problems of the 21st century,” Lal told an Indian newspaper. “Education is so central to the culture, and I think that really does help. At the very least, we are very able to work hard, which is one of the key ingredients of success,” she added.
Things you should know about Bhavya Lal
· Even though Lal has been living abroad for decades, her heart is still in India. She also revealed that she has started to cook the dishes that her mom taught her and takes great pleasure in doing so.
· Lal participated in the UN Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) for creating an international scientific roadmap to aid small satellites.
· Lal has written on how private space technology firms like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic are making space tourism a thing and other STEM op-eds in the past few years.
What can you learn from Bhavya Lal
Lal is an achiever who has been shattering glass ceilings and creating quite a stir in space technology. And thanks to her awe-inspiring career trajectory, all of us can learn something from her.
- Breaking stereotypes: While female representation in STEM, especially in technology, remains comparatively low, Lal has shattered stereotypes and proven that women can work in any field whatsoever, and be super amazing at it.
- Remembering our roots: Lal still talks about Indian culture, education, food and lifestyle and is deeply connected to her roots, despite being abroad for decades now.
- Spreading our wings: Lal inspires us to go after what our heart desires, grow beyond our job and just create ripples in areas that matter the most to us.
- Education is important: She teaches us that education is important and there is no full stop to learning ever.
Conclusion
Bhavya Lal is a force to be reckoned with. Who says that strength can be exhibited only through brawn? Lal has exhibited great strength through her intellect, dedication, perseverance and skills. She is working with the most renowned space agency globally and in such a senior position. Here’s hoping our journey inspires many women and our society to encourage women, to join the STEM fields.
FAQs
1) Did Bhavya Lal do her schooling in India?
Yes, Lal went to Rosary School and DPS RK Puram in Delhi.
2) How Long Has Bhavya Lal been with NASA?
She has been with NASA since 2005.
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