Profile
Melissa Lee
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About Me
By day I'm an aerospace project manager, by night I'm a professional dancer and fitness instructor!
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I studied Chemical Engineering at university. Due to the nature of the degree, we were often engaged in large group projects to solve industry wide problems – from carbon capture plants, to oil and gas refineries. I found that I had a particular skill in bringing large technical teams together and getting the different engineering roles to talk to one another to come to a unified solution. It was then that I realised I wanted to pursue a career in project management!
The best part about my job is that I get to work on projects that are really making a difference in the world. I am working on the MicroCarb mission, a satellite which will monitor and characterise the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Missions like this don’t just happen! They take years of development, millions of pounds and hundreds of scientists and engineers. I see my role as an enabler – so I liaise with the customer to look after the legal, financial and contractual issues, so that my team are free to focus on doing their job well.
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My pronouns are
she/her
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My Work
I manage a team of engineers who design and build instruments that will be launched into space!
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I am a graduate project manager. At RAL Space, such projects are usually related to the development and operation of scientific instruments, facilities and missions. It is my responsibility to manage the golden triangle of project management: time, cost and quality. To do this, I need to monitor scope (are we delivering what the customer has asked for?), schedule (will we deliver it on time), finance (are we within budget?), risk (what precautions should I take to mitigate any potential blocking points?) and resources (do my team have the skillset and time to complete the tasks?).
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My Typical Day: Before work I go to the gym. I arrive at work and meet my team for our first meeting to discuss our goals for the day. I try to go outside for lunch and get some fresh air - maybe even go for a run if I'm feeling up to it! Afternoons are for talking to suppliers, troubleshooting any issues that have arisen and updating customer reports.
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What I'd do with the money
I would organise site visits to my work for schools to come and see RAL Space - where space instruments are designed, built and tested!
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Education:
Imperial College London (university); Fernhill School (high school)
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Qualifications:
MEng Chemical Engineering; Advanced Highers (Maths, Physics, Chemistry);Scottish Highers (Maths, English, French, Chemistry, Physics)
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Work History:
Kurt Geiger (sales assistant); waitressing
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Current Job:
Project Manager
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Employer:
RAL Space is such a dynamic place to work – we all have a common interest in space and it’s motivating to work in an environment where the goal is for the greater good of science and engineering! -
My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
dancing aerospace engineer
What's the best thing you've done in your career?
The best part about my job is that I get to work on projects that are really making a difference in the world! I am working on the MicroCarb mission, a satellite which will monitor and characterise the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and contributing to our understanding of climate change.
What or who inspired you to follow your career?
My high school chemistry teacher!
What was your favourite subject at school?
Physics
What did you want to be after you left school?
A cosmetic scientist
Were you ever in trouble at school?
no
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I would be a full-time dancer!
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Olivia Rodrigo
What's your favourite food?
French fries!
What is the most fun thing you've done?
Either trekking through the amazon rainforest or flying a plane!
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
1. To become an astronaut! 2. To have more free time to see friends and family 3. To be able to cook!
Tell us a joke.
Singing in the shower is fun until you get soap in your mouth. Then it becomes a soap opera!
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