Soaring Beyond Boundaries: Jonas Dino's Extraordinary Journey from the Philippines to NASA

Jonas Dino's path to becoming a public engagement specialist at NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley was anything but conventional. Growing up in the Philippines, the idea of a career at NASA was not even on his radar. However, through a series of unexpected twists and turns, Dino found himself in the perfect role, connecting people, especially young minds, with the wonders of space exploration.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe, One Conversation at a Time

Embracing the Unexpected

Dino's academic journey was marked by a series of pivots and detours. Initially focused on studying life sciences, he was encouraged, as a Filipino, to pursue a career in the medical field. After joining the Marine Corps Reserve, he returned home to study biology at San Jose State University (SJSU). However, a poor performance in organic chemistry led him to switch his major to nursing, a decision he later realized was not the right fit. Fortunately, Dino had been taking psychology classes, following his interests, and was able to graduate with a psychology degree by taking just two more classes.

A Serendipitous Turning Point

Dino's life took an unexpected turn when he was hit by a car, an event that gave him the time to reflect on his future. During his recovery, he realized that his strengths lay in communication and teaching. This realization led him to start his teaching career at James Logan High School, the same institution he had graduated from in 1985. Dino's passion for education and community involvement eventually led him to be elected as a trustee for the New Haven Unified School District in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Discovering the Wonders of NASA

With a need for a new job after stepping down from his school board position, Dino stumbled upon an internship opportunity at NASA Ames. Despite his family's strong encouragement to pursue a high-tech career during the dot-com boom, Dino chose to take the NASA internship, a decision he has never regretted. As a communicator at NASA, Dino has had the privilege of covering a wide range of projects, from aeronautics to space missions, including the LCROSS lunar mission that helped confirm the presence of water on the Moon.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Dino's favorite aspect of his job is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) engagement, where he has the opportunity to ignite the curiosity and passion of young minds. He takes great joy in seeing the proverbial "light bulb" moment when a child grasps a new scientific concept. Dino is particularly passionate about encouraging more young women and Filipino students to pursue STEM careers, recognizing the importance of diversity and representation in these fields.

Advocating for the NASA Ames Workforce

In addition to his role as a public engagement specialist, Dino serves as the president of the Ames Federal Employees Union, advocating for the NASA Ames workforce. He is a strong believer in the value of NASA's work and the incredible opportunities it offers, having experienced the transformative power of his own journey firsthand.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Dino's personal experiences have shaped his desire to pay it forward and inspire the next generation. He has started a memorial scholarship in honor of his father, aimed at supporting Filipino students pursuing STEM fields. This scholarship is just one of the many ways Dino is working to open doors and create pathways for underrepresented communities to explore the wonders of space exploration.From his humble beginnings in the Philippines to his current role at the forefront of NASA's public engagement efforts, Jonas Dino's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of one's passions. His journey serves as a shining example of how a little push in the right direction can have a profound impact on an individual's trajectory, ultimately leading them to their perfect fit – a career that allows them to connect people with the boundless possibilities of the universe.