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The globe from space. (Image credit: iStock Photo)
On April 8 a historic total solar eclipse will cast a shadow over part of the U.S. In honor of this rare celestial event, we’re taking the opportunity to shine the spotlight on some of the women of NOAA facilitating technological advancements and leading the way for economic growth in the space industry.
Meet 5 women leaders helping to advance NOAA’s work in space, from research and policy to the development of satellite systems. And be sure to tune in on April 8 as NOAA brings you live coverage of the total solar eclipse.
Irene Parker: Deputy Assistant Administrator for Systems, NOAA Satellites
Irene Parker serves as the deputy assistant administrator for systems for NOAA Satellites. In this role, Parker leads programs that strategically acquire next-generation Earth and space weather observation satellites. NOAA Satellites collects and provides critical satellite Earth observations and other essential environmental information needed for disaster preparedness, hazards response and the recovery and protection of the nation’s critical infrastructure and natural resources. Learn more about Parker’s work here.
Janice Starzyk: Deputy Director, Office of Space Commerce
Janice Starzyk is the deputy director of the Office of Space Commerce, a Senior Executive Service position. Starzyk manages the Department of Commerce office responsible for advocating on behalf of the United States' robust commercial space sector, facilitating U.S. commercial space leadership and growth and sensibly regulating commercial remote sensing activities. Learn more about Starzyk’s work here.
Pam Sullivan: Director of GEO Observations, NOAA Satellites
Pam Sullivan leads the development of NOAA’s geostationary satellite systems as the Director of the Office of GEO Observations. She manages the Geostationary Operational Environment Satellite R Series (GOES-R) and Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) programs, responsible for the development of the spacecraft, instruments, launch services and ground systems.Learn more about Sullivan’s work here.
Christine Joseph: Policy Advisor, Office of Space Commerce
Christine Joseph serves as a Policy Advisor for the Office of Space Commerce with NOAA and the Department of Commerce, currently supporting the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) program. Prior to her current role, Christine Joseph served with the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology — Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. Joseph’s professional interests include space policy, aerospace human factors and human-autonomy interaction. Learn more about Joseph’s work here.
Shobha Kondragunta: Research Scientist, NOAA Satellites
Shobha Kondragunta, Ph.D. is a research scientist for NOAA’s Center for Satellite Applications Research. She leads the aerosols and atmospheric composition science team that develops algorithms to generate various air quality and climate related products from NOAA ‘s geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites. Learn more about Kondragunta’s work here.
