Hi, I'm Janelle Wellons

I am a space engineer that is passionate about STEM outreach! I never could have imagined that I would one day be operating instruments in space, but since I am, I use my platform to share my experiences with those who are also aiming for the stars. Some background: I grew up in Logan Township, New Jersey and graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering. From there I joined the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, starting out on the Cassini mission at Saturn operating instruments that took images of the beautiful planet, its rings, and moons. I now currently have the pleasure of working on the Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols, Sentinel-6, SWOT, and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Learn more about my journey in an article posted on the NASA JPL site. You can also learn about my personal journey in a short memoir I penned in high school called When the World Was Upside Down. E-book profits subsidize my outreach efforts so I thank you in advance for your support!

Inspiring Future Rocket Scientists

I am passionate about STEM outreach for underserved youth. Whether I'm teaching space camp in South Korea or educating a class about deep space operations -- I love showing students that they are capable of learning about space! I am currently on the board of directors for the YWCA Glendale & Pasadena, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women. I also am on the board of Engaging Girls in STEM, a program based in Los Angeles that provides girls with the unique opportunity to engage women with successful careers in STEM. I am constantly on the lookout for avenues to spread my message and encourage young people to shoot for the stars!

PBS Scigirls

Find out how you can do community science right from home by watching the girls and I on the "Super Sensors" episode of PBS Scigirls! On this episode expect to learn more about my job operating insturments in space and how you can build sensors to monitor the wildlife in your own backyard.

PBS Kids - SciGirls

Highlights

I try to capture the spirit of my mission whenever I can. Imagery is a great way to convey feelings and tell a story so here is a glimpse of mine.

Speaking Engagements and Requests

I regularly speak to a wide variety of audiences including students, professionals, space enthusiasts, and more to inspire and uplift. Whether it is a small classroom talk, a podcast, panel discussion , interview , or Ask Me Anything, I can speak in-person, virtually, live or prerecorded to various themes. Please reach out to me with any inquiries through email, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Achieving Dreams, Reaching the Stars

This talk centers around my personal story of successes and failures. I cover how I came to learn about and attend MIT as well as how I eventually got the job at NASA JPL. I also provide some brief background on what I currently work on and generally aim to inspire the audience and leave them with a desire to pursue their dreams, despite doubt and naysayers, whatever they may be.

Zoom collaboration with Magnitude.io and Pasadena YWCA.

Connecting Virtually

I am always finding ways to keep audiences engaged during these difficult times. I am able to give the same experience of presentations virtually, with the added bonus of being able to take audience questions in real-time via chat features.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Finding ways to connect with young people, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, is one of my goals. I often chat with students one-on-one, participate in mentorship programs, and give my advice for navigating school, choosing a major, landing internships, interviews, resume creation, and any other questions a student may have.

Watch my Conversation with Studio K.O.S.

Four members of the art collective Studio K.O.S. (Kids of Survival) engage in a conversation with Janelle Wellons to discuss the intersection of aerospace engineering and art. This discussion was hosted by the D.C. Art Science Evening Rendezvous, which is co-sponsored by Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences (CPNAS) and Leonardo, the International Society for the Arts, Sciences, and Technology.