A devoted Genea-Musings reader emailed me recently and said that he read a recent blog posts and learned that I was an aerospace engineer in my earlier life, and shared with me that he asked an Artificial Intelligence tool this question: "How does the pursuit of genealogy relate to aerospace engineering?"
It's true - I received an aerospace engineering degree from San Diego State University in 1966, and worked as an aeronautical engineer until 2006 for Rohr Corporation (and then Goodrich after 1997) in Chula Vista, California, which made commercial aircraft nacelle components (inlets, cowls, nozzle, thrust reversers, etc.) and pylons for Boeing, McDonnell-Douglas, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, General Electric, Pratt & Whitney and other aerospace companies. My specialty was aerodynamics - research and development, FORTRAN programming, aircraft performance, engine performance, computational fluid dynamics analysis, thrust reverser performance (wind tunnel and airflow model tests, engine tests, and aircraft tests), and engine/nacelle aerodynamic loads analysis.
It's also true that I started my genealogy "career" as an evening and weekend hobby in 1988, and by 2002 had enough experience and knowledge to have a full family tree (but not done yet!), have a decent grasp on the genealogical research process, able to provide presentations to local societies, and start this Genea-Musings blog in 2006. After I retired from engineering, genealogy became a full-time endeavor and more than a hobby.
So I was intrigued by my reader's email and comment. I used his prompt on the FREE ChatGPT-4o Artificial Intelligence tool, and received this answer:
At first glance, genealogy and aerospace engineering may seem unrelated, but both fields involve research, problem-solving, and the application of systematic approaches to uncovering information or achieving goals. Here’s how they relate:
1. **Problem-Solving and Investigation**: Genealogy involves tracing family lines, exploring historical records, and making connections between generations, much like aerospace engineers solve complex problems related to flight, mechanics, and materials. In both fields, professionals must sift through data, find patterns, and resolve uncertainties.
2. **Data Analysis and Interpretation**: Genealogists analyze census records, documents, and genetic data to piece together family histories. Aerospace engineers similarly analyze data from simulations, wind tunnels, and flight tests to design and improve aircraft or spacecraft. Both require strong analytical skills.
3. **Research and Documentation**: Both fields heavily rely on researching historical records or technical documents. Genealogists consult archives, databases, and family records, while aerospace engineers refer to technical manuals, scientific papers, and previous engineering designs.
4. **Technological Tools**: Genealogists increasingly use digital tools, DNA analysis, and online databases to track ancestry. Aerospace engineers rely on advanced software for simulations, modeling, and computational fluid dynamics. The ability to navigate and understand complex technologies is essential in both domains.
5. **Precision and Attention to Detail**: Both genealogy and aerospace engineering require precise attention to detail. In genealogy, even a small error in data interpretation can lead to incorrect family connections. Similarly, in aerospace engineering, precision is crucial for safety, efficiency, and successful outcomes in aircraft or spacecraft design.
6. **Historical Context**: Genealogy ties into historical research and the social context of various periods, while aerospace engineering involves the history of technological advancements and the broader impact of aerospace development on society.
While the goals of genealogy and aerospace engineering differ, they both demand meticulous research, problem-solving, and technical skill.
How about that - all of the above incorporate the skills and knowledge I learned in a lifelong learning mode performing aerospace engineering and genealogy research.
Thank you, devoted reader, for sharing your question with me. I love both of my jobs! I love AI too for organizing thoughts way better than I can, and making genealogy fun.
And another view:
What other career paths might provide people with the skills and knowledge to perform genealogy research and analysis?
What work endeavor did you use that helped you become a genealogist?
Copyright (c) 2024, Randall J. Seaver
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