Katherine Hawley is a LEO User Engagement Scientist with NOAA’s Office of Low Earth Orbit Observations (LEO).
In a conversation below, we spoke to Katherine to learn more about her role in managing user engagement for LEO satellite data products.
What is your job title and what do you do?
My title is "LEO User Engagement Scientist.” I serve as the manager of user engagement for LEO satellite and data products. In this role I establish and implement strategy, objectives, and performance measures for user engagement focused projects. I help the LEO team prioritize work, and develop user engagement activities and projects to support LEO's mission. A major part of my job is building relationships across NESDIS, NOAA and external communities to ensure mission success.
What is your favorite part about working for LEO/JPSS?
I have the opportunity to work with a fantastic team to help determine the future of our LEO satellite constellation. Being part of this mission allows me to contribute to something meaningful and make a positive impact on humanity.
Who is your biggest inspiration and how have they impacted you and your work?
Honestly, many people are an inspiration to me. But if I had to select a single person that has impacted my work and has inspired me to be the best person I can be, that would be Barbara Watson. She is the retired Meteorologist-in-Charge of the NWS Forecast Office in State College, PA., and was my mentor for many years. She helped guide me through many challenges of my career and is someone who I want to become. She is a strong, compassionate, bold, and inspirational leader and lives by incredible leadership values. She has not only supported my career, but so many among NOAA. I hope one day to become half the inspirational leader she is.
How has your background impacted the work that you contribute to day-to-day?
I was raised in Dewey, a small rural community in northeast Oklahoma. I take great pride in my upbringing in this rural setting and have integrated many of the community values I learned there into my life. I prioritize respect, hard work, integrity, and southern hospitality in everything I do. These values guide me in ensuring that my contributions meet the needs of our users while supporting the growth and success of our future workforce. When I have the chance to participate in LEO community outreach events, I love encouraging aspiring engineers, physicists, and meteorologists, especially those who dream of working on satellites, to think big. I’m passionate about helping them find the resources and opportunities that can help them pursue their goals and take the next step in their journey. I want to help make their dreams come true, and show them that it is possible.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career in your field?
Dream big, try different career paths, and do not be afraid to fail. It is more than ok to not fully know what you want to do for the rest of your life. And it's ok to make mistakes. Some of the best lessons I have ever learned in my career and shaped me to where I am today was because I failed.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I am a new mom and I have a first degree black belt in Taekwondo.