Michelle Chen: Balancing a Stellar Career and Family with APL’s Support

In2023, women really can have it all. Women can have an education that allows them to discover and enrich their passions. They can lead teams that code algorithms to change the way we prepare for potential asteroids and other space threats. They can have a family and be present in their children’s lives. It may sound too good to be true, but one woman’s story shows us it is possible to go after the things you want and truly thrive.

Michelle Chen Software systems engineer The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

As a child, Michelle Chen, who currently works as a software systems engineer at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), never imagined she’d be working as an engineer or in the space industry. One might think being born the same year as the Apollo moon landing would serve as some type of omen. However, growing up in a family of doctors, she assumed she would one day go to medical school and follow the tradition of becoming a doctor. But life had a different plan for Chen. Her natural talent for math and problemsolving led her down a new path—engineering.

Chen’s journey as an engineer began at the University of Illinois, where she excelled and discovered her true passion for the field. Her college journey gave her the opportunity to make connections with students and staff that would guide her beyond graduation.

“It’s something I’m very proud of,” Chen said about graduating from the University of Illinois. “Some of the smartest people I’ve ever met were on that campus.” After graduating, she joined the prestigious APL, where her skills and potential were nurtured.

Her brilliance and passion for problem-solving have propelled her to great heights in her career. Chen’s pivotal role in NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Mission, along with her innovative creation, the Smallbody Maneuvering Autonomous Real-Time Navigation (SMART Nav) algorithm, have cemented her contributions to planetary defense.

Chen’s groundbreaking work on the DART Mission, and the creation of the SMART Nav algorithm, played a critical role in the mission’s success. Chen’s team worked diligently together to map out every possible outcome in order to find the best solution. SMART Nav employed onboard imagery to identify the target asteroid’s (Didymos) moon, make key decisions on thruster firing and coasting, and account for fuel levels and remaining distance. By hitting the moon of the asteroid, DART demonstrated humanity’s readiness and capability to protect our planet from potential asteroid threats.

“The night before the DART impact, I actually slept really well,” she said, “because I knew that as a team, at least for SMART Nav, we did everything we could.”

While Chen has achieved remarkable success in her career, she has also managed to balance her professional aspirations with family life, thanks to the support she receives from APL. The company’s commitment to work-life balance allowed her to work part-time when needed, ensuring she could be present in her children’s lives as they were growing up. All the while, she was still intricately involved in groundbreaking projects at work.

“I know other women before me that basically had to choose career versus their family,” she said. “I still remember when my research advisor in undergrad told me that at some point, I would have to choose between engineering and a family. I’m glad to see that [idea] changing in work environments, and I hope it continues.”

She attributes her success to her mentors, who saw her potential, challenged her, and encouraged her to take credit for her work. Chen also recognizes the importance of empowering her team members and ensuring they receive recognition for their contributions.

“One of my mentors told me early on to take credit for my work. I never really thought too much about it because I really love the work I do, and I enjoy just being a part of the process and solving problems. But [women] often don’t take advantage of the opportunity to take credit for their successes. I want to ensure that everyone on my team, men and women, can take credit for their contributions.”

Looking toward the future, Chen highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of space exploration, including autonomous navigation, data analysis, and mission planning. She encourages students who are interested in AI or robotics to pursue their passion. Despite the density of brilliant applicants for STEM positions, passion for your work or studies will always stand out.

As the world of engineering and space exploration continues to evolve, Chen’s story reminds us of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead and the importance of nurturing talent, supporting work-life balance, and embracing emerging technologies to change the way we manage our space missions. The biggest takeaway? Every woman’s story is their own. Today, thriving isn’t just about having a family and an illustrious career. Thriving is following your passion and giving 100 percent to whatever you love. 

Did you enjoy this edition of She Thrives? Watch the 2022 Women of Color to hear about more awesome role models.