From NASA Missions to Ham Radio: Dr. Patricia Reiff W5TAR Shares Her Journey

Dr. Patricia Reiff, W5TAR, is a name every ham radio operator should know. A trailblazer in both science and amateur radio, Dr. Reiff is a professor at Rice University who has contributed to major NASA space missions and has even brought ham radio into the classroom with her unique "Physics of Ham Radio" course. Not only has she been involved in groundbreaking space research for nearly 50 years, but she's also one of the few professors in the U.S. offering students the chance to learn ham radio at a prestigious university like Rice. Dr. Reiff's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She’s worked on missions such as Apollo 14 and the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission, all while continuing to count electrons and protons in space. Her deep commitment to education extends beyond university walls, empowering teachers to bring ham radio into classrooms and sparking young minds with hands-on experiences. Dr. Reiff’s influence within the ham radio world goes beyond the airwaves. Her work is a testament to the exciting professional careers ham radio operators can pursue—making this hobby more relevant than ever, especially for the next generation. For all amateur operators out there, this interview is a must-watch. Dr. Reiff’s story is proof of how ham radio can open doors to exceptional careers in science and space. If you're looking for inspiration or a reason to engage the youth in ham radio, look no further. Join the conversation and don't forget to subscribe to the channel for more insightful interviews with extraordinary hams like Dr. Patricia Reiff, W5TAR. 73!

 

Good reason to go to Rice!

 

Great interview. It's always a pleasure to hear Pat-W5TAR, W5YG, and her RUARC students call on the YLsystem's 40M East Coast session.

 

Dr. Patricia Reiff, W5TAR is a STAR for sure! Her work is an inspiration and can only have a refreshing ripple effect throughout the Amateur Radio Service.

Thanks to Kevin for producing another stellar interview. 73 Michael W8CI.

 

I agree but it has too many carbohydrates.

 

Wow great !!

 

Thanks for the inspiring session. Had read about Professor Patricia Reiff, W5TAR when I posted "Amateur Radio Courses at Universities in the US!"

 

My daughter was just looking at a Rice University invitation yesterday! I sent her the link to this video!

 

Let us hope that we will get a successor for @W5TAR soon. 73

 

They have Men at Rice.

Men at Rice. Uh.. Yeah.

 

My compliment was based on the Professor's merits. That is how I assess people. Beyond that, I do not put people in boxes and make judgements.

73
Chip W1YW

 

Some people like Uncle Ben's. Some prefer minit rice. It's just a joke son.

 

I remember Dr. Reiff from a continuing education course I took at Rice, she was one of the guest lecturers. I saw her another time at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, I had a telescope set up to watch the transit of Mercury with a hydrogen alpha solar filter and she stopped by to have a look. Both times I don't think I realized she was a ham.

 

W5TAR isnt the only one in America who is teaching these kind of space stuff and all about the solar system. WX6SWW is pretty active, too.

https://www.youtube.com/@TamithaSkov

 

Thanks for sharing. Though I have seen her posts on X in plenty, never knew that she (@WX6SWW) had an amateur radio callsign!