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Renee Juhans
Headquarters, Washington           June 26, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1712)

RELEASE: 03-210

PERSISTENCE & PASSION LEADS HISPANIC ENGINEER TO SUCCESS

     Growing up in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Miguel Rodriguez 
knew by age 17, he wanted to work in America's space 
program. Little could he have known then staying focused on 
that goal would lead him to become director of the 
Operations Directorate at NASA's Stennis Space Center (SSC), 
Miss.

Like many youngsters in the 1960s, NASA's Apollo program and 
that first, snowy TV picture of Neil Armstrong walking on 
the moon inspired Rodriguez. " I saw that and said to 
myself, 'Wouldn't it be nice to work for NASA?'" Rodriquez 
said.

Staying on course to achieve his goal, Rodriguez studied to 
become a mechanical engineer. He graduated in 1976 from the 
University of Puerto Rico Engineering College, Mayaguez, 
Puerto Rico. A year before Rodriguez graduated, NASA 
representatives visited the university to recruit career 
candidates. Rodriguez took a chance and spoke with the 
recruiters, only to find all the interview slots were 
filled. Determined to work for NASA, he placed his name on 
the overflow list and was eventually called for an 
interview.

His persistence paid off. He was interviewed and offered a 
job at NASA. In 1976 Rodriguez went to work at the Marshall 
Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. as a mechanical design 
engineer designing parts for the Space Shuttle. In 1979, he 
transferred to Florida to work at the Kennedy Space Center. 
Since then Rodriguez has held a number of engineering and 
managerial positions.

As director of SSC Operations, Rodriguez manages facility 
construction, maintenance, environmental programs, security, 
emergency services, utilities and other operations for about 
4,600 Stennis personnel. 

Pursuing the career Rodriguez dreamed of as a teen has been 
rewarding, and to honor his heritage, Rodriguez is active in 
the Hispanic community, serving as a mentor and frequent 
speaker. He hopes to see more Hispanics join NASA's ranks. 
He tells young people from diverse backgrounds to follow 
their dreams. "If you have an interest in working for NASA, 
stay on track with your schoolwork and be persistent. You 
can work for NASA. You just have to make it your priority," 
he said.

Media organizations interested in interviewing Rodriguez 
should contact Lanee Cooksey at: 228/688-1957.

For information about SSC on the Internet, visit:

http://www.ssc.nasa.gov

For information about NASA on the Internet, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

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