Trailblazer Who Paved the Way
Olga D. González-Sanabria
Engineer at NASA Glenn Research Center
“Be more assertive, document your progress and achievements.”
Her Story
Olga D. González-Sanabria led the NASA team that developed long-life nickel-hydrogen battery technology, the power storage system that has kept the International Space Station running for decades. Her research also informed advances in electric vehicle and solar energy storage used on Earth.
How She Got Into Tech
She grew up in Puerto Rico and pursued chemical engineering, later earning a doctorate and joining NASA's Glenn Research Center, where she moved into energy storage research.
A Day in Her Work
Her work involved testing and refining battery cell designs for durability and safety in the extreme conditions of space, then leading engineering teams applying that research to broader NASA missions.
Proudest Achievement
Developing the long-life nickel-hydrogen battery technology that powers the International Space Station.
Biggest Challenge
Advancing as one of the highest-ranking Latina engineers at NASA, in a field where Latina representation in engineering leadership remained (and remains) limited.
Advice for the Next Generation
Document your work and your achievements consistently, and be assertive about claiming credit for your contributions.
More
Later served as Director of the Engineering and Technical Services Directorate at NASA Glenn Research Center.
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