Astrophysics PhD with Chemical Engineering B.S.?

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Posting this in both the School and the Work forums...

Right now, I've been unemployed to the point that I pretty much have no choice but to go back to grad school for my PhD. I could go for just my Masters, but I figure that if I go back for that, I might as well go the whole step to PhD. Now, I already have my Bachelors of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. Even with this degree, I've only been offered two jobs in the past two years, and I had to turn down both for various reasons (both were low-paying, shaky positions). Most likely, I'm going to pursue an advanced Chemical Engineering degree, specializing in Polymers/Alternative Fuels. However, I'm thinking of pursuing my true passion: Astrophysics.

So, question: Anybody have any idea what I could do with this degree combination? I'd like, if anything, to go into NASA.

I just thought I'd ask the question here before I e-mail the University of Washington Astronomy department in the next few days.

Assuming the world isn't shot to hell due to oil peak and all that

There might be private companies who get into space exploration eventually, at least space tourism (the build a craft that puts you in LEO type stuff or a low-obit space station).

Having come from that world, I'd say you have a very good shot at working for NASA. Folks working essentially the same position on the science side had doctorates and post-doc studies in astronomy-related fields, physics, mathematics, geology, and chemistry. Astrobiology is so hot now that a combination of astronomy and chemistry could be really attractive in a candidate. Try to get an adviser who has partnered with NASA and also try to get involved with at least a summer internship. I worked on several planetary spacecraft (engineering side) and the scientists always had a bunch of interns working for them. Best of luck!

My majors are particle cosmology and geoscience. The college I attend has a program that works with NASA Johnson Space Center. The students who participate are monitored by NASA over an extended period of years to see how they are doing and where they end up. If selected by NASA for the program, there is a possibility for a scholarship and serious consideration for am internship.

Perhaps you should consider visiting the NASA website pertaining to internship. In addition, there are internships offered by various government agencies that would probably love to have someone just like you.

I am a member of the National Society of Physics Students, the Association of Women in Science, and the American Physical Society. I receive email all the time for employment opportunity. CERN also sends me email with job opportunity.

I have been developing an intense interest in plasma physics (as only another aspie can understand). There is tremendous opportunity out there right now for scientist and engineers. In addition, President O'Bama has programs to support green energy and to remove the US from dependency on foreign oil. That has to translate into jobs for people with physics, chemistry, and engineering degrees.