Design News for Mechanical and Design Engineers

Exploring the Sociology of Computer Interfaces

From Mai Nguyen-Huu's point of view, there should be a conscious difference between computer interfaces for men and women. The computer science major at the University of California, Berkeley believes men and women perceive the world differently, so their website designs and other computer interfaces should reflect that difference. "There are reasons women are more drawn to certain patterns," explains Nguyen-Huu. "Most computer games are oriented toward men, particularly in their use of violence."

Nguyen-Huu notes that in order to attract women, computer games need to appear and behave differently. She points to Sims City, a game popular with young women. She explains that it's attractive to women because players can choose their own roles, and it's not violent. Nguyen-Huu believes games designed specifically for women can help families change how they see women.

Nguyen-Huu has blended her interest in computer science and sociology by pursuing an engineering degree in computer science with a co-op in sociology. Her interest in engineering began with her dad, who introduced her to the computer when she was very young. This was followed by an ongoing desire to solve puzzles.

When she graduates next year, Nguyen-Huu wants to take her dual interest in computers and sociology and do something that can make a difference in the lives of young women. "I would like to have some influence in changing things," explains Nguyen-Huu.

E-mail Nguyen-Huu at nguyenhm@uclink.berkely.edu

Looking at the Combustion Behind the Thrust

Keith Frederick Becker decided what he wanted to do for a living after spending two NASA internships playing with rockets. The Georgia Tech grad student spent one semester at the Langley Research Center in Virginia working on the computer modeling of an experimental inflatable space structure. "These structures might be used for a boom used to launch satellites, or they could provide a habitat area." Becker's next intern spot was at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida where he worked on biological payloads, ground control testing, and anomaly investigations.

As he finishes his master's in aerospace engineering, which builds on his bachelor's in the same subject, Becker has his heart set on NASA. "I'm specializing in combustion," explains Becker. "I want to work with launch vehicles, either conventional or experimental, such as a next-generation space shuttle."

Becker wants to participate in the design and development of a shuttle that could take off and land like an airplane and bypass the awkward and expensive rocket booster. "Conceptually, it's possible to fly into space," says Becker. "If the shuttle takes off like an airplane, it would be safer and cheaper."

And like most scientists drawn to the space program, Becker harbors a big childhood dream. "Like most people in this field, I want to be an astronaut," admits Becker. As an engineer, Becker believes he stands a chance of realizing that dream. "Engineering is the most common background for astronauts."

E-mail Becker at gte029q@mail.gatech.edu