Love in the Time of Space Telescopes

#WIE #NASA #JWST #CoupleGoals
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Many a book has been written about the wonders space and the passions it so fervently stokes. In this unique talk, come join Brian & (soon to be Dr.) Helene McLaughlin as they discuss how their passions in space technology not only fueled their careers to but led them to work on two major NASA telescopes (Hubble and the James Web Telescope) together.

During the talk they will discuss: 

  • What drew them individually to study space telescopes or be involved with space science
  • Brief overview of the work conducted on Hubble/JWST
  • Discussion of the challenges and bonus of working in the same field as a couple
  • Any tips on handling career changes after starting out in similar career fields.

 

Speaker Bio(s): 

Brian McLaughlin is an engineer by profession and passion. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from North Carolina State University and a Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering from the University of Maryland. Building on a solid foundation in software, he gained expertise in hardware while supporting the Hubble Space Telescope. Over a 24-year career at NASA, Mr. McLaughlin contributed to numerous successful missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, Landsat-8, multiple weather satellite systems, and the joint JAXA/NASA XRISM mission. 

Helene McLaughlin is a STEM Academy Program Specialist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, where she develops and manages hands-on STEM programming for middle and high school students. She holds a B.A. in Astronomy and Astrophysics from the University of Colorado and an M.A. in Teaching from Adams State University and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. through the Johns Hopkins University School of Education.

 


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  • Starts 15 September 2026 04:00 AM UTC
  • Ends 17 October 2026 04:00 AM UTC
  • No Admission Charge

  Speakers

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The Speakers:

Brian McLaughlin is an engineer by profession and passion. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from North Carolina State University and a Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering from the University of Maryland. Building on a solid foundation in software, he gained expertise in hardware while supporting the Hubble Space Telescope. Over a 24-year career at NASA, Mr. McLaughlin contributed to numerous successful missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, Landsat-8, multiple weather satellite systems, and the joint JAXA/NASA XRISM mission. He recently transitioned to the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. His interest in radio communications developed during graduate studies and expanded through work on space communication systems, such as the TDRS-based Space Network. He is an active member of the amateur radio community under the callsign N3BMC.

 

In addition to several professional publications, Mr. McLaughlin has contributed to the GeekDad blog, served as the technical editor for Hacking the Raspberry Pi, and authored the BeagleBone Black Primer. He resides in Maryland with his wife and two children.

 

Biography:

Helene McLaughlin is a STEM Academy Program Specialist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, where she develops and manages hands-on STEM programming for middle and high school students. She holds a B.A. in Astronomy and Astrophysics from the University of Colorado and an M.A. in Teaching from Adams State University and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. through the Johns Hopkins University School of Education.

Helene began her career in astronomy as a space telescope data analyst at the Space Telescope Science Institute, working with data from Hubble, the James Webb Space Telescope, Spitzer, FUSE, and Chandra. She later transitioned into education, spending nine years as a high school physics teacher, including teaching AP Physics, before joining APL. Today, she brings together her experience in astronomy, education, and curriculum development to create STEM learning experiences that connect students with authentic science and engineering.

Her career has evolved considerably from where it began in astronomy, giving her a unique perspective on changing professional paths while remaining connected to the interests that first drew her to science.