Ivy F. Hooks is a distinguished figure in the field of aerospace engineering, with a career that has spanned several decades and has included significant contributions to the United States' space program. Born and educated in Houston, Texas, Hooks earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1963, followed by a Master of Science degree in Mathematics in 1965, both from the University of Houston. Hooks began her illustrious career at NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center, which later became the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Her tenure at NASA spanned from 1963 to 1984, where she held various positions as an aerospace engineer and played pivotal roles in the development and management of spaceflight programs. Her early work at NASA included roles as an aerospace engineer in the Flight Worthiness Branch and the Mission Effectiveness Section of the Advanced Spacecraft Technology Division. She also worked in the Analytical Aerodynamics Section of the Flight Performance & Dynamics Branch within the same division. In 1969, Hooks was nominated for the Federal Woman’s Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the space program. Throughout her career at NASA, she received several group achievement awards, including for her work on the Space Shuttle Program Definition and Preliminary Design Team in 1972, the Skylab Program in 1974, and the ASTP Operations Team in 1975. She was also honored with the JSC Superior Achievement Award in 1976 and the prestigious Arthur S. Fleming Award in 1978. Hooks' expertise in software and systems analysis led her to serve as the STS-2 Software Manager and later as the Manager of the Shuttle Data Office within the Space Shuttle Program Office. Her leadership in these roles was critical to the success of the Space Shuttle missions. After leaving NASA, Hooks continued to make her mark in the aerospace industry. She worked at Barrios Technology and Bruce G. Jackson and Associates in Houston, Texas, before taking on the role of President and Chief Executive Officer at Compliance Automation, Inc., in Boerne, Texas. Throughout her career, Ivy Hooks has been recognized as a trailblazer and a pioneer for women in the field of aerospace engineering. Her work has left a lasting impact on the space program and serves as an inspiration to future generations of engineers and scientists.

Scope and Content Note
March 5, 2009: This interview provides a comprehensive account of her experiences and contributions as a woman working at NASA during the 1960s, a time when female representation in the agency was notably scarce. The interview, led by Jennifer Ross-Nazzal and assisted by Rebecca Wright, delves into Hooks' early interest in mathematics and problem-solving, which she found naturally easy and enjoyable, leading her to pursue a major in the subject during her college education. Hooks recounts her decision-making process when choosing her career path, describing an interview experience with a company that she ultimately found unappealing due to the nature of the work and the demeanor of the interviewers. This contrasted with her encounter with a woman at a beauty shop, who provided her with a connection to NASA. Hooks was attracted to the job at NASA not only because of the appealing salary after years of earning little as a student but also because the work seemed more interesting. She accepted the position and awaited her start date, which was scheduled after the end of the school semester. Throughout the interview, Hooks emphasizes the importance of communication skills, even in technical fields, and how her affinity for English and literature proved almost as valuable as her mathematical abilities in her career. She shares anecdotes about her proactive approach to learning on the job at NASA, such as reaching out to experts in various technical areas to build her understanding of systems and contribute to the development of NASA's first cost model. Hooks also discusses her work on specific technical aspects of space missions, including jet impingement on the Lunar Module, and the importance of clarifying expectations with supervisors to ensure efficient and effective task completion. She highlights the need to understand the priority and desired depth of analysis for assigned tasks to meet the needs of the project and the team. Furthermore, Hooks reflects on the educational system and its evolution, noting the lack of practical team-based project experience in engineering education during her time. She contrasts this with more recent approaches that incorporate team projects and interdisciplinary collaboration, which she views as essential for preparing students for the realities of the workforce. Overall, the interview with Ivy Hooks offers valuable insights into her personal journey as a woman in a male-dominated field, her professional development, and her perspective on the intersection of technical expertise and communication, as well as the evolution of engineering education.

March 24, 2009: This interview is a rich and detailed account of her illustrious career at NASA, spanning the Apollo program to the Space Shuttle era. Hooks provides an in-depth look at her technical contributions, particularly her work on predicting plume effects on the Lunar Module and her involvement in the development of the Apollo launch escape system. She offers personal reflections on the tragic Apollo 1 fire and conveys the profound sense of detachment and awe she felt during the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing. Her narrative captures the essence of the era, including her interactions with NASA astronauts and her experiences during the tense moments of the Apollo 13 mission. Hooks shares the excitement and sense of purpose that permeated her work at NASA, as well as the impact that the space program had on inspiring students and the general public. Throughout the interview, Hooks discusses her transition from working on Dr. Christopher C. Kraft Jr.'s staff to her pivotal role in software engineering, where she was instrumental in verifying flight software for the Space Shuttle program. She provides insights into the unique challenges of Shuttle booster separation compared to other vehicles and the collaborative efforts required to solve complex engineering problems. Hooks highlights the testing and launch of the Space Shuttle, with a focus on the separation systems and the challenges faced during the STS-1 mission, underscoring the critical nature of flight software and the team's confidence in the new spacecraft. Additionally, Hooks touches on her experiences with aerodynamics and flight software, recounting instances of software problems and the organizational changes she helped implement. She candidly describes a situation involving a computer failure and the communication breakdown that ensued, reflecting on the frustrations and challenges of working in such a high-stakes environment. The interview also delves into Hooks' personal experiences at Johnson Space Center, where she navigated the evolving workplace culture, the importance of effective communication, and the intricacies of decision-making in large meetings. She reflects on her most significant contributions, the pressures she faced, and the challenges she overcame during her tenure at the center. Hooks' story is further enriched by anecdotes about her participation in a NASA exhibit on women in science and engineering and a special gift she received from her boss, illustrating the personal dimensions of her career. In summary, the interview with Ivy Hooks is a comprehensive and personal account that provides valuable insights into her significant contributions to NASA, the challenges and triumphs of space exploration, and the human aspects of working within the space program.