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The engineer and double alumna of 91ֱ�� of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)—she has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Computer Systems Management—said it was curiosity that prompted her to sign up for her first computer class. At the time, she had recently relocated to Maryland from her hometown, Buffalo, New York. She had studied nursing at the State 91ֱ�� of New York but wanted to go back to school to take English courses because she enjoyed writing. 

“I loved science and math, but I didn’t have a lot of role models for women in science so I started studying nursing and later thought I would switch my coursework to focus on English and literature” Seaton said.

“I decided to take a computer class, even though I didn’t know what that really was. I thought it was hardware work,” she recalled. Once in the course, she learned that it focused on computer software, and she discovered that she loved the problem-solving aspects of programming.

Seaton initially enrolled at 91ֱ�� of Maryland College Park, but a job obligation prompted her to transfer to what is now UMGC so she could take courses in the evening. As she completed her bachelor’s degree, she applied for multiple jobs, including at NASA, which had become her aspiration. 

What is it like working for the James Webb Space Telescope Operations Project, deepening human knowledge of galaxies beyond our own? 

“Every day is going to be different,” Seaton said. “As a deputy project manager, I have a variety of responsibilities … technical oversight, manpower planning and management, budgeting and working with contracts.

The space telescope enables NASA to capture clear pictures of some of the most faraway spots ever seen in space. In July 2022, NASA released the first images from the telescope, which is a million miles from earth, orbiting the sun. Seaton, who has worked with the James Webb Space Telescope Program for 17 years, said she’s one of the biggest fans of the inspiring images that the space telescope captures.    

Dec. 25 marked the second anniversary of the space telescope’s launch from French Guiana.

When Seaton first joined NASA she was frequently the only woman in the room. 

“When I first started at NASA in the mid 1980s, it didn’t take long to notice when you go into a room with engineers that you’re the only woman engineer in the room. Then I’d be assigned as a task lead, and I was still the only woman in the room,” she said. “Today, diversity representation in all roles, including leadership, has greatly improved. More women are in project management and leadership positions… it’s a very diverse environment.”

Seaton’s advice to students is to “find your passion” and pursue it, even if it takes more than one attempt. She also urges students to build their communications and teamwork skills.

“With everything we do, we have to be able to express our ideas to others. Written and oral communication are how we present ourselves to others,” she said. “Teamwork is also key. I hated group activities at school because I’m an introvert, but being able to work in a team and being effective on a team is a critical skill you need at large organizations and in handling major problems.”

As much as she enjoyed her science and computer courses at UMGC, Seaton said students should take care not to neglect the “soft side” of their education.