Hello, my name is Mike Machula and I work at the Johnson Space Center as a Flight Controller for the Space Shuttle. I work in the Booster group, where we make sure the Solid Rocket Boosters, the External Tank (propellant tank) and the 3 Shuttle rocket engines operate properly and if not take corrective action. I have worked over 30 Shuttle flights and I was a team member on the last Shuttle launch (STS-101). Ever since I was young, I have dreamed of exploring new frontiers - it was that pioneering spirit that led me to NASA and the space program. As well as exploring the unknown, I enjoy figuring out how things work. That skill led me to choose Engineering as a career and I eventually earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Washington and a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University.

On the personal side, I was born in Seattle, Washington and I lived in the Northwest until I moved to Texas in 1992. I'm married and we have a son that is one and a half years old. I enjoy adventurous/outdoor type activities and I recently obtained my pilots license. I also like playing Lacrosse (there are 4 teams in Houston) and intramural sports such as softball. I am a Boy Scout volunteer, and when I can, I try to volunteer for NASA outreach programs. I look forward to meeting the Texas Aerospace Scholars and sharing with you some of my experiences and knowledge.