On this episode we speak with Dr. Masha Petrova, the CEO of Nullspace, Inc. a company creating simulation software for electromagnetic applications in the Academic, Commercial, Aerospace, and Defense Industries. Masha shares with us her STEM origin story from a childhood love of Soviet Space SciFi to becoming a PhD Simulation Engineer in the US, which led to her "aha" moment of realizing she was actually an "Extroverted Engineer". Dr. Petrova is an experienced executive with a passion for leading multi-disciplinary global teams toward successful results by focusing on operations and creating a unified vision. After receiving her PhD in aerospace engineering, Dr. Petrova spent 15+ years in the engineering simulation and design software industry, including holding global marketing executive roles at Ansys, Altium, LLC, and  IncMSC Software (during acquisition by Hexagon MI) as well as 3 simulation software start-ups all acquired by Ansys, Inc. in the last 10 years. Thank you to Masha for joining us on the podcast, sharing her STEM Origin Story, and for a fun discussion about Start-up life, "Freedom", SciFi, Deep Tech, and AI. A great episode that I HIGHLY recommend listening to, especially for anyone who wants to get into STEM or currently trying to find their place in it. Topics from the episode: engineer, company, engineering, space, software, build, electromagnetics, people, ai, problem, simulate, startup, develop, tools, simulation, technology, solver, extrovert We'd love to know your thoughts and questions! Email us at [email protected] SOURCES: https://www.nullspaceinc.com/ The 'Topics from the episode' above and the timestamps below for the episode were generated using AI (otter.ai) by processing the audio file. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction - What is People of Science? 01:00 Our Guest Dr. Masha Petrova, CEO of Nullspace shares her STEM Origin Story 08:28 Tech Industry, Career Progression, and the "4-Hour Workweek"  14:03 Creativity, Autonomy, and building systems in various roles 18:58 Soviet Science Fiction and Space Exploration 26:48 RF Engineering & Software Development 32:23 3D printing, Software for Additive, and Quantum Computing 42:27 AI, Acquisitions, and Infrastruture online and in Space 56:15 Space Engineering and the Future of Work w/ AI  -------------------------- Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)! Spread Love, Spread Science Alex G. Orphanos We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing Magic Mind (magicmind.com use code TODAYINSPACE20 for 20% OFF or up to 56% off subscription) Follow us: @todayinspacepod on Instagram/Twitter @todayinspace on TikTok /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook  Support the podcast: MAGIC MIND (magicmind.com/learn) AND use my code: TODAYINSPACE20 More ways to support us: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net #space #rocket #podcast #people #spacex #moon #science #3dprinting #nasa #tothemoon #spacetravel #spaceexploration #solarsystem #spacecraft #technology #carlsagan #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #ai #industry #entrepreneurship #artemis #lunar# 3dprinting #integrate #create