From Costume Design to Engineering on NASA's James Webb Telescope

Karen Abarca's career path is a testament to the fact that it's never too late to change professions. While she initially pursued costume design, she eventually found herself contributing to one of NASA's most significant projects.

The Early Influence of Fashion

Growing up in California, Karen's passion for clothes was influenced by her mother, a skilled seamstress. In high school, she became engrossed in dressmaking, a craft she mastered courtesy of her mom.

Despite an early love for science, a career in a scientific field seemed distant due to a lack of connections. Financial challenges led her to the Fashion Institute of Design Merchandising, where she soon landed opportunities within the film industry.

A Star-Gazing Catalyst

The costume design world slowed each December, which was financially stressful for Karen. On one New Year’s Eve visit to Death Valley, she pondered her future while gazing at the stars and decided it was time to revisit her scientific ambitions.

Enrolling first at community college and then transferring to California State University, Long Beach, Karen completed a chemical engineering degree in 2020.

Overcoming Academic and Social Challenges

The transition was difficult—Karen faced academic hurdles including a tough calculus class and the discomfort of being older than most peers. Determined, she persevered and assumed a mentorship role among fellow students.

Her skills in collaboration revealed valuable in engineering, a discovery that guided her toward an internship with Northrop Grumman, a leading aerospace and defense company.

Confronting Impostor Syndrome

Joining Northrop Grumman in 2020 came with feelings of inadequacy. Early on, she was plagued by worries about not belonging in the engineering realm—these fears were common yet daunting.

Following a short assignment, an opportunity emerged on the prestigious James Webb Space Telescope project, focusing on contamination control. This pivotal role allowed Karen to directly engage with the telescope's intricate systems.

Discovering a Niche

By literally working hands-on with the spacecraft, she found her calling in communications engineering. This new domain fascinated her with its potential to connect spacecraft a million miles apart. Currently, Karen is exploring cutting-edge space network technologies.

Lessons from the Stars

The James Webb program served as an extensive education in aerospace, opening Karen’s eyes to the complexity and innovation behind spacecraft engineering. Such exposure solidified her transition from fashion to engineering.

Karen advises those contemplating a career shift to embrace the possibilities. Changing careers might present challenges, but it offers new insights and rewarding experiences, canceling out any 'what ifs.'