I’m Tara Ruttley and I was born and raised in Louisiana.  I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in 1998 from Colorado State University.  While I was an undergraduate, I learned the importance of having an interdisciplinary background in industry and academia, so I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis on Biomedical Engineering, which I received in Dec. 2000 from Colorado State University. 

 I currently work for NASA in the Biomedical Hardware Development and Engineering Office.  My job is to help develop hardware for the Crew Health Care System (CHeCS), which is a program that is responsible for maintaining astronauts’ health during stays on the International Space Station.  The microgravity environment of space can cause a number of problems for astronauts’ health, including body fluid shifts, muscle and bone weakening, and changes in metabolism.  CHeCS hardware includes such items as emergency medical equipment, environmental monitoring systems, and exercise equipment for use in space.

 I’ve always wanted to work for the space program because of the unique things we can learn about processes in biology and engineering that are uncovered when gravity is taken away.  It’s a wonderful way to learn the basics, and there’s always something new!  I am very happy to be a part of the JSC team.

 I enjoy camping, scuba, eating great food, and reading Stephen King novels.  I also enjoy a good bit of television watching, and so I try to balance that with a good amount of exercise!