Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
The NASA Ames Science Directorate has acknowledged the significant efforts of four individuals: Maurice Valdez, Niki Parenteau, Dori Myer, and Judy Alfter. Their dedication to NASA’s mission exemplifies the essential qualities of innovation, technical skill, and teamwork necessary for advancing our understanding of both Earth and outer space.
Spotlight on Space Science and Astrobiology: Maurice Valdez
Maurice Valdez serves as a system administrator within the Space Science and Astrobiology Division, where he plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the operational capabilities of desktop systems and web development. He is celebrated for his unwavering focus on elevating the division’s scientific output by ensuring that systems remain compliant and effective. Valdez’s proactive mindset allows him to tackle a range of challenges—from troubleshooting technical issues and enhancing hybrid meeting setups to system updates and repairs—making him a vital member of the division.
Innovative Leadership in Astrobiology: Niki Parenteau
Niki Parenteau, a research scientist affiliated with the Exobiology Branch, represents the quintessential interdisciplinary astrobiologist. Her work centers on detecting possible biosignatures of life on distant exoplanets, and she has taken a proactive stance in leading efforts related to the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). In this capacity, Parenteau fosters collaboration among Ames scientists and engages with the broader scientific community to advance observational capabilities for identifying biosignatures using HWO.
Preservation of Knowledge in Space Biosciences: Dori Myer
As an archivist, Dori Myer has significantly contributed to the Flight Systems Implementation Branch’s ongoing initiative to digitize and safeguard crucial institutional knowledge. Under her leadership, the records management team has successfully digitized thousands of historical documents, ensuring the preservation of vital information for future generations. Myer’s initiative has revamped record management methods, enhancing access to NASA’s extensive institutional resources while modernizing the retrieval process.
Driving Earth Science Initiatives: Judy Alfter
Judy Alfter, Deputy Project Manager in the Earth Science Project Office (ESPO), has made remarkable strides during the field campaign for the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem Post-launch Airborne eXperiment (PACE-PAX). She played a pivotal role in initiating the deployment phase by leading the setup of Twin Otter flight operations at Marina Municipal Airport, California. After this phase, Alfter transitioned to Santa Barbara to assist with PACE-PAX ship operations and concluded deployment as the ESPO site manager at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, overseeing critical ER-2 flight operations.
Source
www.nasa.gov