• Question: What challenges do you face on a day-to-day basis?

    Asked by Matt to Vinita, Rachel, Pam, Christopher, Brian, Andrew on 1 Mar 2019.
    • Photo: Rachel Hudson

      Rachel Hudson answered on 1 Mar 2019:

      My biggest challenges are not usually the specific tasks that I am doing but more about managing the tasks. Usually we have lots of different things to do (especially as I work on two projects at once) so it’s really important that I am organised, manage my time well, keep track of deadlines and don’t forget important things! (Probably the same as the challenges you face with your studies/ home life)

    • Photo: Brian Weaver

      Brian Weaver answered on 3 Mar 2019:

      I’m learning a new programming language (C++) that was developed by a lot of different people during the past 15 years. The code can be confusing since I’m not a computer scientist or software engineer. Sometimes I think of a great new idea then see someone else already published the idea years ago! I must always meet both my work and PhD requirements which can be difficult when deadlines overlap. On rare occasions, companies protect (won’t share) some of the information that is necessary to completely define a problem.

    • Photo: Pam Anderson

      Pam Anderson answered on 4 Mar 2019:

      I need to work with lots and lots of new people all of the time. You need to very quickly understand people’s personalities and how they like to work so that you can work together successfully. I think i’m getting better at it but it’s not always easy!

    • Photo: Christopher Youens

      Christopher Youens answered on 5 Mar 2019:

      Trying to solve problems with limited information. Sometimes I will get a report of an issue with a spacecraft, and only a few logs and 10 minutes of contact at a time. The challenge there is to be able to narrow down possible causes and take action before the satellite is flying over our ground stations.

Comments