D. Farrar

D. Farrar is a member of the Professional Staff of APL’s Research and Technology Development Center. As a member of the Sensor Science Group her work includes design, simulation, and implementation of hardware and software for both space and commercial applications.  She has served as the Engineering Lead for the Boot PROM Assembly for the New Horizons mission to Pluto. She also was Lead Electrical Engineer for the Variable Emittance MEMS Technology associated for NASA’s Space Technology-5 mission.

She holds a B.S. in physics and minor in chemistry from Lincoln University, a B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland College Park and an M.S. in electrical and computer engineering from Johns Hopkins University. She’s currently pursuing her PhD, focusing on the use of a biopolymer composite material for sensors and transducers. During her high school years at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, D. was an active participant in MESA. She is a member of the APL Gospel Choir, the Society of Women Engineers, the International Microelectronics and Packaging Society, and the Materials Research Society.

Information Technology Specialist—Giving Back to MESA

N. Spencer is an APL information technology specialist. A member of the  Information Technology Services Department, she provides desktop support and other systems engineering services for staff members. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in 1999. In 2004 she received her Masters degree in Information Systems and Technology from the Johns Hopkins University.

She is MESA success story. She participated in the MESA program while a student at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. She first came to APL as an undergraduate student, through the summer intern program. During the early part of career at APL, she had the opportunity to work on a project to develop, support, and maintain the MESA database used to track students and supporting staff.

Blending her professional skills and her personal interests, She volunteers for MESA events, such as serving as a chaperone for trips or as a judge for MESA Day competitions. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with youngsters and helping them figure out what career path may interest them.