How a NASA Scientist Found Fulfillment in Children’s Books with Kathryn Clark of the University of Michigan

Written by Planning Alternatives | July 28, 2025

Kathryn Clark, Ph.D., Adjunct Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Aerospace Engineering of the University of Michigan, reflects on her extraordinary journey through NASA, academia, and now children’s literature. She shares stories of launching science experiments on the space shuttle, landing an F-18 on an aircraft carrier, and inspiring the next generation through her books. Kathryn’s career path is anything but linear. It’s marked by bold moves, unexpected opportunities, and a deep passion for space and education.

Key Takeaways:

(02:22) Space shuttle launches and celebrity visits marked her early NASA years.
(03:18) Flying on the KC-135 “Vomit Comet” was both challenging and exhilarating.
(07:56) The youngest researcher to send pregnant rats into space.
(11:37) Astronauts' faces puff up in space due to fluid shifts and lack of gravity.
(14:10) NASA tracks thousands of space debris pieces larger than a fist.
(15:32) A joke for her nephews grew into science-themed children’s books.
(18:08) True wealth is the freedom to share your passion without pressure.
(20:06) Sneezing in space shows kids how physics works — with a laugh.

“What I'm trying to do is recruit the next generation — scientists, physicists, engineers, astronauts — and you do that by getting them to think that science is fun.”
- Kathy Clark, Ph.D.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Kathryn Clark, Ph.D., Adjunct Associate Research Scientist, Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-clark-48a03396/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-michigan/

Connect with Nathan Mersereau:

Phone: 248-645-1520
Email: nathan.mersereau@planningalt.com
Twitter: @NathanMersereau
LinkedIn: Nathan Mersereau
Address: 255 S Old Woodward, Suite 310
Birmingham, MI 48009

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