NASA Astronaut Stephanie D. Wilson:Faith in Abilities

By Susan Bush12:00AM / Thursday, September 14, 2006Print Story | Email Story

Stephanie D. Wilson

Williamstown - Prior to a history-making July voyage as the second African-American woman to travel into space, before she was selected as a NASA trainee in 1996, and before she earned a master of science degree from the University of Texas, Dr. Stephanie D. Wilson, 39, was a Pittsfield girl who attended the city's public schools, did her homework, and admired her teachers. Hanging On Every Word One homework assignment in particular had a profound impact on Wilson and her future, she said. The assignment was part of a Crosby Junior High School "career week" and the task put Wilson in contact with Williams College Field Memorial Professor of Astronomy Jay M. Pasachoff. As a junior high school student, Wilson had an avid interest in astronomy. The assignment involved interviewing someone whose career reflected specific student interests; Wilson called Williams College and was directed to Pasachoff. She'd carefully planned her interview questions and had equipped herself with a tape recorder so that she could accurately transcribe the interview, Wilson said. But when the interview began, the tape recorder failed to work. "I was hanging on his every word," Wilson said during a Sept. 13 telephone interview from Pasachoff's Williams College office. "I couldn't tear myself away to take notes. There wasn't one answer that wasn't interesting." Pasachoff was passionate about his work, Wilson said. He has reached several career pinnacles since his interview with a teen-aged Wilson; he has authored textbooks and in 2003, he was awarded the American Astronomical Society Education Prize. He is well known for his work involving solar eclipses and his research has been sponsored by NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the National Geographic Society. During yesterday's interview, Wilson said she remembered feeling that she wanted her own career to generate the high levels of personal enthusiasm demonstrated by Pasachoff. That goal appears to have been met; Wilson is clearly delighted to have been among the seven-member Space Shuttle Discovery crew and the 13-day mission that traveled to the International Space Station. Pasachoff, Naomi Pasachoff, and Williams College students Megan Bruck and Amy Steele were invited to Cape Canaveral by Wilson to watch the shuttle launch, but two weather delays postponed the event to July 4. Wilson spoke about her space mission during a Sept. 13 7 p.m. presentation at the Williams College Brooks-Roger Auditorium. The event was free and open to the public. Her travel agenda includes a stop at Harvard University -Wilson graduated from the school in 1988 - and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology [MIT]. Her Sept. 12 Pittsfield visit, officially titled Stephanie D. Wilson Day, was very enjoyable, she said. Teacher Inspirations When asked if she was excited by the response of the city to her visit, Wilson answered "Absolutely I'm excited. People have been so warm." City residents have also expressed happiness that the mission was a success and that the crew members returned to Earth safely, she said. She's been happy to share her experiences, she noted. During a Sept. 12 stop at Taconic High School -Wilson is a member of the school's Class of 1984 - and a Sept. 13 morning visit at the Stearns Elementary School, she was able to see some of her former teachers, Wilson said. "It was wonderful to see them," Wilson said. "Every one of them had a role in nurturing me along." The Road to Discovery The "nurturing" led Wilson to Harvard, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in engineering science. She then spent two years employed at the former Martin Marietta Astronautics Group. She entered the University of Texas in 1990; after earning her master's degree, she was employed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.. After NASA selected Wilson for astronaut training, she began training at the Johnson Space Center during August 1996. Two years later, she qualified for flight assignment as a mission specialist. While aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, Wilson, along with other crew members, tested new equipment and procedures. She operated the robotic arms on scheduled EVAs and was responsible for a transfer over 28,000 pounds of supplies and equipment to the International Space Station. The shuttle commander was Steven Lindsey, an Air Force fighter pilot. German astronaut Thomas Reiter, pilot Mark Kelly, astronauts Michael Fossum and Piers Sellers, and mission specialist Lisa Nowak were aboard the Discovery during the mission. Wilson said she is eligible to participate in another space flight, but added that since she has been up into space, she's now at the end of a line that hosts about 50 hopeful astronauts. "I'd like to see them have their opportunity," she said, but emphasized that if she were again selected for a space mission, she would happily agree to go. Orion The space shuttle program will end in 2010, mostly because the technologies used to build the shuttles are outdated and some of the parts are no longer manufactured, Wilson said. A new generation of crew exploration vehicles are expected to be introduced by 2014, she said. The new space vehicles have been named "Orion," and on Aug. 31, the Lockheed Martin Corp. was awarded the contract to build the craft. "Future astronauts will ride into space in the Orion capsule, similar in design to the Apollo-era command module but larger, and more versatile, and capable of carrying six occupants, twice as many as its' predecessor," according to information posted at a www.nasa.gov Internet web site. "Orion will succeed the space shuttle as NASA's primary vehicle for human space exploration. Orion's first flight with astronauts on board is planned for no later than 2014 to the International Space Station. Its' first flight to the moon is planned for no later than 2020." And manned trips to Mars are planned to follow moon exploration, Wilson said. She believes that there are life forms of some kind elsewhere in the vast expanse known as "space," she said. It would not be surprising to discover life that is similar to life on Earth, Wilson said, and added that she does not believe that other life forms would resemble the hostile creatures portrayed in most media depictions. "I don't believe the life we may find will be war-oriented," she said. "I hope it will be more peaceful." Faith In Abilities Wilson offered some guidance for those who may be reaching for stars of their own. "Have faith in their abilities," she said."Find something they love to do and do it with all their hearts." Most young people will find that their "communities," including teachers and family members, will be supportive of their dreams, and students should find and use any available resources as they pursue their goals. Avoid self-doubt, she said. "Above all, have faith in themselves and their abilities," Wilson said. Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or 802-823-9367.

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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Cozy Place to Be

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:15PM / Friday, December 05, 2025

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Are you looking for a move-in ready home close to the downtown area? Then this just might be the house you're looking for.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 193 Cold Spring Road.

This 1950 single-family has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house is 2,184 square feet on a little less than an acre of land. The price is $469,900.

The house not only comes with a 3.5-car basement garage but also a detached two-car garage with additional storage space above. The house includes the kitchen appliances like the dishwasher, range, and refrigerator, and has a fireplace, screened porch, and back deck. The home is also generator-ready.

We spoke to Suzette Lyons with Burnham and Gold Real Estate, which has the listing.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

Lyons: Location, location, location!! This property is a short distance from downtown Spring Street. It's nestled conveniently away from the road and provides substantial privacy. Plus, the home has a well-maintained exterior and interior.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

What a gem! The workmanship is lovely and shows the home has been loved. There is an abundance of space with four bedrooms for family or work/home office space.

The opportunities are endless.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?

The home was built in the mid-1950s by the owner of Yeadon Farm Dairy on the edge of the farm, now the Thornliebank/Buxton Hill neighborhood, with lumber cut from the property.

Along with thick plaster walls and ceilings on the first floor, quality craftsmanship is abundant throughout.

The house has been owned by the same family who built it and the grandson has made every effort to match the original design and style with all of the renovations, including custom-milled natural woodwork for the private second-floor primary bedroom suite. Family pride in ownership is evident in every space of this well-constructed and maintained house now waiting for a new family to call it "home."

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

This home appeals to many buyers. There are four bedrooms sufficient for a full-time family, singles or second homeowners. Opportunity for in-law suite. Also, ample room for a home/office business. Lots of storage space with 3 1/2 garages and additional storage space above the oversized two-car garage.

Are there any standout design features?

Lots of personal touches with natural woodwork throughout, freshly painted light colors to maximize natural light, new flooring in several rooms. Spacious four-season room for relaxing or home/office use. Also, offers a beautiful primary suite on the second floor.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

A peaceful retreat in the woods. Cozy up to the fireplace on winter nights, enjoy the morning coffee on the back porch or the four-season sunroom. Spend the afternoon gardening in your beautiful yard and connecting with nature. A pet-friendly home offering a fenced yard and durable flooring. A family friendly home directly on the school bus routes.

How would you describe the atmosphere or feel of this home?

The home has a welcoming feel with natural elements offering a place of comfort and belonging.

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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