Hernandez is a distinguished professional in the field of Human Factors, currently making significant contributions as a Ph.D. Human Factors Pathway intern and the Human Factors Training Director at NASA Headquarters Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA). Since joining NASA in August 2022, she has leveraged her extensive knowledge in industrial-organizational psychology to enhance safety and efficiency within the agency.
Hernandez is instrumental in the development and implementation of training programs, having spearheaded the creation of the one-hour NASAHFACS overview course and overseeing the updates and execution of the comprehensive three-day NASAHFACS Training and certification. Her commitment to education and training is further exemplified by her role as a contributing author for pivotal publications, including NASA’s Human Factors Handbook and the Annual Human Factors Report. Additionally, as Editor-in-Chief of NASA’s quarterly Human Factors newsletter, “Spotlight,” she ensures that vital information is effectively disseminated within the agency.
In 2023, Hernandez received the Individual Special Act Award for her outstanding support of NASA’s human factors program, and in 2024, she was part of the team awarded the Excellence in Collaboration Award. These accolades highlight her leadership and collaborative efforts in advancing human factors processes to ensure mission safety.
Hernandez is also a published author with three academic articles focusing on the NASAHFACS methodology, presented at prestigious forums such as the International Symposium on Aviation Psychology (ISAP), the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI), and the International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS).
Her comprehensive academic foundation equips her with the expertise in Human Factors principles, enabling her to excel in practical applications, including interviewing techniques and conducting human factors investigations. Hernandez has proven her capabilities as both a primary and secondary analyst for investigations, further solidifying her reputation as a vital asset to NASA’s mission of safety and innovation.
