Hailing from Highland, Michigan, Alana Buday works as a Quality Manager for the Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL) and XTRM Labs. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Earth Systems Science and Engineering and a master’s degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. After she joined SPRL, she was able to combine her interests in space with her skills in engineering.
Q. What is your research area or engineering focus?
A. I am one of the Quality Managers for the Space Physics Research Laboratory. I am responsible for lab operations related to the quality management system as well as project support. This includes policy and procedure development, safety and mission assurance activities, manufacturing support, inspections, and audits.
Q. How did you decide to pursue this line of work, type of engineering, or area of research?
A. I have always had a passion for space. My family would frequently go stargazing and visit planetariums, and I was exposed at an early age to science fiction. These things made me interested in our universe and space exploration, and I always wanted to learn more. When I got to the University of Michigan, I decided to major in Earth Systems Science and Engineering concentrating in Space Physics, at the Atmospheric and Oceanic and Space Sciences (AOSS) Department (now CLaSP).
I did not necessarily foresee myself working in quality engineering. After graduation, I found myself needing a job in a very specific location on the east coast and this is when I found and was accepted into a Quality Engineering Development program at Pratt & Whitney. This program is what kick-started my career and helped me find the niche of Quality Engineering that I was interested in. The Quality profession is very broad, and I have been fortunate to explore many different facets of the profession. This experience helps tremendously at a small lab like the Space Physics Research Laboratory, where I am responsible for so much.
Q. What is one of the greatest benefits or opportunities that have come from working in your field?
A. Working at the Space Physics Research Laboratory is very unique, because you are exposed to the entire lifecycle of a project starting with project formation and ending with hardware delivery and post-processing support. On top of that, you could be supporting a NASA-funded project with strict Mission Assurance Requirements and a student design team project with limited requirements on the same day. This diverse portfolio is challenging and has given me the opportunity to think creatively every day on how to be successful in my job as a Quality Manager.
Q. When you think about your experience so far, what gives you the most pride?
A. I take pride in being involved in projects focused on science and exploration. Nothing is cooler than knowing work you contributed to is furthering our understanding of the planet and universe.
Q. What is the most important lesson you have learned along the way?
A. Be yourself and always ask questions! Even if it is outside of your current job title or area of expertise, ask questions, ask to shadow or help out, and soak up as much as you can.
Q. As you look to the future, what goals or career plans do you have in mind?
A. My goal is to help the Space Physics Research Laboratory define its diverse project portfolio and build out a structure of policies and procedures that is easy to understand for both our engineers and customers. This will empower Space Physics Research Laboratory employees to continue the great work SPRL is known for and be competitive on increasingly larger projects.