Born in Patillas, Puerto Rico, Olga grew up loving chemistry and math. A high‑school career day during the 1970s energy crisis sparked her interest in chemical engineering. After earning her degree from the University of Puerto Rico in 1978, she joined NASA’s Lewis Research Center and later completed her master’s at the University of Toledo.
At NASA, Olga became a leading force in energy‑storage technology, helping advance nickel‑hydrogen batteries used on major space missions. She co‑patented separator technology for alkaline batteries, contributed to more than 30 technical papers, and earned an R&D 100 Award in 1988 for long‑cycle‑life nickel‑hydrogen batteries. Olga also worked on advanced battery designs, Mars‑rover power studies, and space‑experiment development, earning NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal in 1993.
In 1995, Olga moved into leadership, guiding the center through major reorganizations and later overseeing research planning, performance reviews, and ISO 9000 certification. In 2002 she became the first Latina at the center appointed to the Senior Executive Service, receiving the Outstanding Leadership Medal, induction into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame, and the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive.
Olga went on to lead NASA’s Engineering and Technical Services and later the Engineering Directorate before retiring in 2011 after 32 years of service. SALUTE!!!
Catalyst is a handcrafted piece of jewelry made with 10mm Grey Agate and Silver Sheen Obsidian beads with Silver accents. .
The perfect piece to complement any outfit.
Born in Patillas, Puerto Rico, Olga grew up loving chemistry and math. A high‑school career day during the 1970s energy crisis sparked her interest in chemical engineering. After earning her degree from the University of Puerto Rico in 1978, she joined NASA’s Lewis Research Center and later completed her master’s at the University of Toledo.
At NASA, Olga became a leading force in energy‑storage technology, helping advance nickel‑hydrogen batteries used on major space missions. She co‑patented separator technology for alkaline batteries, contributed to more than 30 technical papers, and earned an R&D 100 Award in 1988 for long‑cycle‑life nickel‑hydrogen batteries. Olga also worked on advanced battery designs, Mars‑rover power studies, and space‑experiment development, earning NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal in 1993.
In 1995, Olga moved into leadership, guiding the center through major reorganizations and later overseeing research planning, performance reviews, and ISO 9000 certification. In 2002 she became the first Latina at the center appointed to the Senior Executive Service, receiving the Outstanding Leadership Medal, induction into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame, and the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive.
Olga went on to lead NASA’s Engineering and Technical Services and later the Engineering Directorate before retiring in 2011 after 32 years of service. SALUTE!!!
Catalyst is a handcrafted piece of jewelry made with 10mm Grey Agate and Silver Sheen Obsidian beads with Silver accents. .
The perfect piece to complement any outfit.
Grey Agate is believed to be a grounding stone that brings a person into, emotional, intellectual, and physical balance.
Silver Sheen Obsidian is believed to clears negative energy, aids in shadow work, and fosters self-reflection without emotional overwhelm.
Photo by Nasa.gov
