Elizabeth Jens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elizabeth Jens
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Jens in 2019 US Embassy Canberra video
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| Born |
Torquay, Victoria
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| Nationality | Australian |
| Alma mater | University of Melbourne Stanford University |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Jet Propulsion Laboratory |
| Thesis | Hybrid rocket combustion and applications to space exploration missions (2015) |
Elizabeth Jens (born in 1984) is an amazing Australian engineer. She designs special engines for spacecraft! She works at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which is a super cool place in the United States.
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Becoming a Space Engineer
Elizabeth grew up in Torquay, Victoria, Australia. When she was just 12 years old, she knew she wanted to be an astronaut! This happened after she heard an astronaut from the famous Apollo program speak.
Her school, Sacred Heart College, Geelong, helped her get really good at math and physics. These subjects are super important for space science. She then went to the University of Melbourne and studied mechanical engineering and physics.
Later, she studied at Stanford University in the USA. She even got special scholarships like the Fulbright and Rotary International scholarships. These help students study abroad.
Elizabeth started working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory as an intern. An intern is like a trainee who learns on the job. She then earned her PhD, which is a very high university degree. Her PhD was about "Hybrid Rocket Combustion," which means how different fuels burn in rockets.
What She Does at NASA
Elizabeth Jens works on exciting space projects at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Mars Missions
She helps with the Mars 2020 mission. This mission sent the Perseverance rover to Mars! Elizabeth works on a "cold-gas subsystem" for this mission. This system helps control how the spacecraft moves using gas, like tiny thrusters.
Designing Small Satellites
Elizabeth also designs the engine systems for small satellites. These are called SmallSats. They are much smaller than traditional satellites. She helps make sure these SmallSats can travel between planets!
Inspiring Others
Elizabeth is passionate about getting more people interested in space. She wants Australia to invest more in the space industry.
- She has appeared on "Australia's Science Channel" to talk about space plans.
- She took part in the SXSW Festival, sharing her knowledge.
- She supports "Tech Girls Canada," which encourages girls to get into technology.
- In 2018, Vogue magazine even called her a "Game Changer" for her amazing work!
