Exploring Dr. Aprille Ericsson's Achievements

Where did Dr. Aprille Ericsson earn her Ph.D. in engineering?

• Harvard University

• Howard University

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Answer explanation

Dr. Aprille Ericsson earned her Ph.D. in engineering from Howard University, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

What is Dr. Aprille Ericsson known for?

• Being the first woman astronaut

• Being one of the first African American women to earn a Ph.D. in engineering

• Inventing the telescope

• Writing science fiction books

Answer explanation

Dr. Aprille Ericsson is recognized for being one of the first African American women to earn a Ph.D. in engineering, highlighting her significant contributions to the field and breaking barriers in academia.

What branch of engineering does Dr. Ericsson specialize in?

• Civil Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

Answer explanation

Dr. Ericsson specializes in Aerospace Engineering, which focuses on the design and development of aircraft and spacecraft, distinguishing it from other branches like Civil, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering.

What is aerospace engineering?

• The study of plants and animals

• The design of aircraft and spacecraft

• The construction of bridges and roads

• The study of the Earth’s oceans

Answer explanation

Aerospace engineering specifically focuses on the design and development of aircraft and spacecraft, making it distinct from other engineering fields like civil or marine engineering.

Which space agency does Dr. Aprille Ericsson work for?

• SpaceX

• NASA

• Blue Origin

• European Space Agency

Answer explanation

Dr. Aprille Ericsson is a prominent engineer and has worked with NASA, contributing to various space missions and projects. Therefore, the correct answer is NASA.

What type of satellites has Dr. Ericsson worked on?

• Weather satellites

• Communication satellites

• Earth-monitoring satellites

• Moon exploration satellites

Answer explanation

Dr. Ericsson has specifically worked on Earth-monitoring satellites, which are designed to observe and collect data about the Earth's surface and atmosphere, distinguishing them from weather, communication, or moon exploration satellites.

What challenges did Dr. Ericsson face as an engineering student?

• Too many classes

• Lack of diversity and isolation

• Difficulty finding schools

• Lack of funding for education

Answer explanation

Dr. Ericsson faced challenges of lack of diversity and isolation as an engineering student, which can significantly impact a student's experience and sense of belonging in a predominantly homogeneous environment.

How did Dr. Ericsson overcome the challenges she faced?

• By switching majors

• By dropping out of college

• Through perseverance and hard work

• By avoiding difficult classes

Answer explanation

Dr. Ericsson overcame her challenges through perseverance and hard work, demonstrating that dedication and effort are key to success, rather than avoiding difficulties or making drastic changes like switching majors or dropping out.

Why is representation important in STEM fields?

• It encourages diversity and brings new ideas

• It makes work easier

• It creates more jobs

• It eliminates competition

Answer explanation

Representation in STEM is crucial as it encourages diversity, leading to a variety of perspectives and innovative ideas. This diversity fosters creativity and problem-solving, ultimately enhancing the field.

What lesson can we learn from Dr. Ericsson’s life?

• Hard work and perseverance can help you achieve great things

• STEM careers are easy

• Success happens overnight

• Only certain people can succeed

Answer explanation

Dr. Ericsson's life exemplifies that hard work and perseverance are crucial for achieving success. His journey shows that dedication and effort can lead to remarkable accomplishments, contrary to the myths of overnight success or exclusivity in success.