Saturday July 27, 2024
Ali Omar, Acting Deputy Center Chief Technologist at NASA's Langley Research Center, whose journey from Uganda to NASA is a testament to perseverance and ambition.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Ali Omar's journey from a small village in Uganda to becoming the Deputy Director at NASA's Langley Research Center is a story of ambition, perseverance, and adaptability. As a young boy in Kisubi, Uganda, Omar's fascination with aviation began as he watched planes take off and land from the nearby Entebbe Airport. This early interest set him on a path that would lead to remarkable achievements in aerospace engineering.
"I used to go outside to watch planes take off and land. I became fascinated with aviation in the eighth grade, and that interest stayed with me through high school," Omar recalls.
After high school, Omar pursued aircraft mechanics in Uganda, earning his mechanic's license. His passion for aviation propelled him to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in Aerospace Engineering, specializing in combustion and exhaust systems of aircraft engines. He later completed a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Illinois.
In 2002, Omar joined NASA's Langley Research Center. He became part of the CALIPSO mission, focusing on aerosol science and the use of lidar for cloud and aerosol measurements. His research has led to significant publications, including developing global aerosol models and automated analysis of space-based lidar data.
His expertise and leadership skills were quickly recognized, and from 2011 to 2017, he supervised developmental projects related to geoscience and decision-making processes. In 2017, he was appointed Deputy Director of the Langley Research Center.
Ali Omar presenting global atmospheric data, highlighting the importance of air quality and weather monitoring in understanding environmental changes.
"My career has evolved from aircraft mechanics to aerospace engineering, environmental engineering, and eventually to earth sciences and management. One lesson from my career is that science naturally involves integration. Therefore, a person must be adaptable to the changes in their career," Omar explains.
Omar now manages a team of 63 scientists and engineers working on the LIDAR system, which NASA uses to monitor pollution, cloud cover, weather, air quality, and related environmental factors. His journey underscores the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning.
Despite professional challenges, such as connecting with non-scientists and adapting to life in the United States, Omar has remained dedicated to his work. He is also a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society and holds leadership roles in several scientific organizations, including AAAS and AGU.
In his free time, Omar enjoys playing volleyball and is an avid supporter of Arsenal FC, maintaining a balance between his professional and personal life.
One of Omar's cherished memories is an aerial photograph of Earth, which he describes as particularly significant because it marked his entry into the space program. His story is an inspiring testament to the power of dreams, perseverance, and the willingness to embrace change.
Ali Omar's story is not just one of professional success but a powerful example of how dedication and hard work can transform even the most ambitious dreams into reality. His journey from watching planes in Uganda to leading scientific teams at NASA serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating the extraordinary achievements possible through perseverance and adaptability.
One of Omar's cherished memories is this aerial photograph of Earth, which he describes as particularly significant because it marked his entry into the space program.
- With files from the BBC Somali Service