NASA engineer urges girls to pursue space science career

Lahore : Hiba Rehmani, a Pakistani-US citizen and engineer working at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), USA has urged the female students to pursue their career in space science as there are opportunities for talented girls to reach stars.

She was addressing a seminar at Punjab University Institute of Social and Cultural Studies in collaboration with US Consulate Lahore and Lincoln Corners Pakistan. ISCS Director Prof Dr Rubina Zakar, US Consulate Provincial Coordinator Alumni Affairs Jamal Ghazanfar, US Consulate Deputy Public Affairs Officer Elizabeth Lee, faculty members and a large number of students from various departments were present on the occasion.

A daughter of Lahore, Ms Hiba Rehmani is working on rocket as Lead Avionics and Flight Control Engineer at NASA’s prestigious Kennedy Space Centre, USA. She discussed current research being done in the field of space sciences at NASA. Addressing the seminar, Ms Hiba Rehmani said that it was a good omen that Pakistani girls were coming forward in various fields of science and engineering. She said that Pakistani girls were full of talent and they could contribute in every field of knowledge remarkably. Advising the students, she said that problems and failures come to their ways but that could become an opportunity if the students continue to achieve their goals and work hard. She said that in overall male-dominated world, you may not find as many women as men in science, technology, engineering and mathematics but that must not discourage girls.

She said that girls must dream big and never give up. She advised them to stay focus on their goals and dreams and they would be successful. At NASA, Ms Hiba Rehmani supports NASA’s Launch Services Program, working on expendable launch vehicles and rockets. She provides technical expertise, follows launch vehicle testing, perform data reviews and provide technical assessments of engineering issues.

Earlier, she has also worked as system engineer for the International Space Station. In her welcome address, Prof Dr Rubina Zakar said that Pakistan and the nation were proud of her. She said that Ms Hiba Rehmani was one of the finest examples for girls to achieve their goals in life. She said that Ms Hiba Rehmani faced several problems in life but she overpowered all those obstacles through her commitment, devotion and hard work.

On the occasion, Ms Hiba Rehmani distributed souvenirs of NASA among all the participating students.

Earlier, Ms Hiba Rehmani called on PU Vice Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmad at his office. Prof Niaz Ahmad said that knowledge had no boundaries and she was a source of encouragement for Pakistani women.