SciGirls Role Models: Rachel Obermoller, Pilot/Aviation Rep

There have been many female aviators in history who have broken down barriers for modern-day pilots, and Rachel continues that legacy. Rachel Obermoller is a Pilot and Aviation Representative for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, which means that she not only flies planes, but is also an inspector of aircrafts and airports. She has to constantly be aware of multiple facets on the job, including weather, destination and conditions.

Math and geometry play a huge role in being a pilot. Rachel is constantly visualizing shapes, doing quick multiplication…definitely a career that keeps her on her toes. Although flying is now second nature to her, she still has to be proactive in planning her flights and reactive if the situation calls for it. But most of all, her job is fun. Rachel is an example of one of a woman in STEM who does not work in a lab or at a desk; she gets to be up in the air for most of her job. Even though she works in a male-dominated field, Rachel knows that there are many opportunities for women and girls to learn aviation skills. She, herself, was just sixteen years old when she learned to fly, and now she gets to see the beautiful Minnesotan landscape from above.

Want to keep the inspiration flowing? Check out additional profiles of Minnesota women in STEM careers.

SciGirls is TPT’s National Science Foundation-funded program that engages girls (and boys!), families and educators nationwide around science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. By combining an Emmy Award-winning PBS series, multiple websites, hands-on activities and professional development workshops, SciGirls reaches millions on-the-air, online and in communities, inspiring the next generation of STEM superstars.