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Maya FarrHenderson\u2019s first day at NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston involved the usual new hire setup and training tasks, but also something special: A tour of the CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) and HERA (Human Exploration Research Analog) habitats.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was such a thrill to start my career at NASA standing in a simulated Martian habitat. It felt like a look toward the future \u2013 a reminder of this is where we are going,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
As a contract research coordinator working with the Behavioral Health and Performance Laboratory under the Human Health and Performance Contract, FarrHenderson directly contributes to both CHAPEA and HERA. She supports data collection and analysis for multiple research projects conducted in those analog environments, as well as in-flight research aboard the International Space Station. \u201cOur work excites me because we have the opportunity to answer questions that will support long-duration spaceflight missions and future missions to Mars,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is gratifying to know our research can build an evidence base that will help promote both physiological and mental health and reduce risks related to human spaceflight.\u201d<\/p>\n
FarrHenderson enjoys the dynamic nature of her role, noting that aspects of her work can change on a weekly basis. \u201cI also work with different labs and teams apart from my own, and I always find it interesting to see the varying perspectives and approaches to problem solving that come from different disciplines,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
FarrHenderson is relatively new to NASA \u2013 she joined the Johnson team in April 2023 \u2013 but she has already connected with several of the center\u2019s employee resource groups (ERGs) and currently serves as the Out & Allied ERG\u2019s (OAERG) membership secretary. \u201cBeing on the leadership team for Out & Allied has really helped me jump in feet first,\u201d she said. Her role involves creating social events for the ERG\u2019s members and the broader Johnson community. \u201cIt can be a small thing, but I believe our events create spaces for people to feel safe and celebrated among coworkers and friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
FarrHenderson speaks from personal experience. When she started at NASA, she was uncertain if she would feel safe being out at work, but seeing how active OAERG was and how the agency celebrated LGBTQI+ Pride Month made her feel much more comfortable. Joining the ERG\u2019s leadership team also enabled her to meet people across different organizations and gain a better understanding of the Johnson and NASA community.<\/p>\n
She understands that some colleagues may hesitate to join an ERG because they do not identify as part of the community the group represents, but those individuals could still be allies. \u201cAllies have a critical responsibility to aid progress in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives,\u201d she said. \u201cOAERG even has ally in the name, that is how important it is to be there for groups you are not necessarily a part of. Listen and learn from members, determine how you can collaborate, and follow through.\u201d<\/p>\n
FarrHenderson believes that leadership\u2019s support for ERGs and facilitation of events like Johnson\u2019s recent DEIA Day have created a welcoming environment. Ensuring the center\u2019s facilities reflect that environment, including increasing gender-neutral bathroom availability onsite, would promote even greater inclusivity, she said. She also encourages team members to use every opportunity to support those who are underrepresented. \u201cAllyship and collaboration are truly key,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is lots and lots of small moments that contribute to a more equitable and inclusive environment.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n