Hi, I'm Janelle Wellons

I am an instrument operations engineer working at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA and I am passionate about STEM outreach! I never could have imagined that I would one day be commanding scientific instruments in space, but here I am. I grew up in New Jersey and graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering. My first job at JPL was on the Cassini mission at Saturn, taking images using the Imaging Science Subsystem and Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer instruments. Now I work on a lunar and Earth mission. 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 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 Pasadena YWCA, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women. I also am on the board for Magnitude.io, a company that aims to provide tools to educate the next generation 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 am happy to speak to a wide variety of audiences in a range of formats. Whether it is a small classroom presentation, a podcast, panel discussion, mentorship program or virtual talk for college students, I can be maleable to the need. Please reach out to me with any inquiries.

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.

Previous
Speaking Engagements

Keynote

Satellites and Education Conference 33rd - 2019
Society of Physics Students Zone 18 Meeting - 2018

College Talks

Arizona State University Students for the Exploration and Development of Space - 2019
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - 2017, 2018
Pasadena City College - Band of Sisters - 2017

High School Talks

St. Francis High School Talk - 2020
Delta Gems and Academy Workshop - 2020
Cibola High School Yuma, AZ - 2020
Kofa High School Yuma, AZ - 2020
Pioneer Academy, NJ - 2019
Book Signing Event, NJ - 2018
Comcast NBC Universal: Fandango TechWomen screening of First Man - 2018
Kingsway Regional High School - 2017
Campbell Hall High Hidden Figures Talk - 2017

Middle School Talks

Jackson Middle School - 2020
USC Project Payload - 2020
Cedarlane Academy - 2019, 2020
San Marcos Middle School Planetarium Video conference - 2019
YWCA Tech Girls - 2019
Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. Middle School - 2019

Panelist

Women of Aeronautics an Astronautics Panel - 2020
NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars Panelist and Mentor - 2019, 2020
National Coalition of Girls’ Schools Panelist - 2019
Industry, Career, and College Day Panel at MakerFair - 2019
California Science Teachers Association Conference - 2018
SoCal Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics - 2018

Hobbies

Outside of work and outreach I enjoy a few different hobbies. Check out some of my SCUBA videos or add me on video game platforms!

SCUBA Diving

SCUBA has given me an entirely new perspective of the ocean and our planet. We must protect sealife and do our part to keep our waters clean.

Cosplay

Creating a an entire costume based on a video game character I love to play was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had!

Video Games

I am an avid gamer and have been for most of my life! Right now I am on the Switch and PS4, add my gamertag @itsjanellie.

The Outdoors

Living in California means that nature is all around and I love to take advantage of that!

Hi, I'm Janelle Wellons

Inspiring Future Rocket Scientists

PBS Scigirls

Highlights

Space Suits

Bottle Rockets

Star Gazing

Insight Model

Chaser Car

First Man

Open House

Sequoia