Olga D. Gonzalez-Sanabria
Personal Information
Born: Unknown
Country of Birth: Puerto Rico
Nationality: USA
Ethnicity: Hispanic
Education
University of Puerto Rico @ Mayaguez BS Chemical Engineering 1978; University of toledo MS Chemical engineering 1985
""I always loved math and science, however my interests in STEM really started with a career day field trip to the university in my senior year. Prior to this I did not know what an engineer was or what it did and listening to the talks it felt as if my wings were unfurling for me and I instantly knew that was what I wanted to be. To me it was important that young people learn about it and other careers in STEM as soon as possible so they could make appropriate choices for their education and ultimately their life." (alltogether.swe.org); "Be more assertive, document your progress and achievements. It will help you as you move up the ladder and remind you that you are contributing to the mission." (alltogether.swe.org); "Remember we are all unique. What works for one does not work for all and you are your worst critic. I also like to say that luck is when preparation meets opportunity so always be prepared and believe in yourself." (alltogether.swe.org); "
— Olga D. Gonzalez-Sanabria
Professional Life
Field of Study: Chemical Engineering
Institution/Corporation: GS Matrix Consulting LLC; University of Toledo; NASA Glen Research Center
Degrees & Memberships: Member: SWE; AICHE; Tau Beta Pi
Awards & Achievements
Awards: 2003 Ohio Women's Hall of Fame; 1988 R & D 100 Award; 2002 Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA; 1995 Exceptional Service Medal, NASA; 2000 Women of Color in Technology Career Achievement Award; 2007 Executive Excellence Award, Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference (HENAAC); 2021 Glen Research Center Hall of fame
Achievements: 1998, led the team that created the nickel-hydrogen batteries ( Long Cycle-Life Nickel-Hydrogen batteries) crucial for powering the International Space Station’s life support systems and scientific experiments; is an inventor of a patent directed at separator technology for alkaline batteries; work focused on energy storage technologies for improving space exploration; 2013 owner & founder of GS Matrix Consulting LLC
began her career at NASA in 1979 and retired in December 2011 with 32 years of NASA service
was the highest ranking Hispanic at NASA Glen research Center in Ohio
was featured together with her husband, Rafael Sanabria, as "NASA Glenn's Dynamic Duo" in HENAAC's Technical magazine's (Winter 2004 edition) cover story
has authored/co-authored over 30 technical reports and presentations for journals and conferences
her contributions resulted in improved separators that isolate oxidation and reduce voltage loss, extending fuel cell battery life and space travel capabilities