Earth Science

Although NASA is best known for its exploration of space, it also studies our own fragile, blue planet to learn how it is changing and what the consequences of these changes are.

NASA's Earth science activities address six primary processes:
• Climate variability and change
• The composition of Earth's atmosphere
• Natural hazards, such as earthquakes,
landslides, and volcanic eruptions
• The storage and movement of carbon
between land, ocean, and atmosphere
• The distribution, transportation, and
transformation of water and energy
• Weather processes and phenomena

Because one of the best ways to understand Earth is to observe it from above, NASA scientists use different remote sensors and satellite-based observation platforms. The most advanced and comprehensive of these is the Earth Observing System (EOS), which provides integrated measurements of all six processes. Thanks to a coordinated series of satellites, EOS collects long-term data on Earth's land surface, biosphere, atmosphere, and oceans.

Featured at the Festival:

Brooke Carter, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
Brooke is a science education specialist with a background in structural geology and science education. She currently works on the education and public outreach teams of several NASA missions, including the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and Aura. In her spare time, Brooke likes to hike, bicycle, rock climb, and camp.

Lin Chambers, Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia 
As a physical scientist in the Climate Science Branch, Lin works on understanding clouds and climate, practical applications of NASA scientific research, and ways to involve K-12 students in what NASA is doing in Earth system science.

Jennifer Collings, Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia 
As a science writer at Langley, Jennifer specializes in communicating the research of atmospheric scientists to the public. She writes feature stories highlighting recent accomplishments and discoveries and assists in organizing community events and outreach activities.

Rory Collins, Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia 
Currently a science writer for the Science Directorate, Rory previously worked for the Office of Strategic Communications and Education as a public outreach specialist. She has a BA in political science and will finish her MA in international studies and professional communications in December 2008.

Roberta DiPasquale, Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia
Roberta works as a scientist to create practical applications of atmospheric science research and data products. She has spent six years crossing the "Valley of Death" (the time between research and commercial application) and is currently focused on climate change issues, urban communities, and sustainable architectural design.

Steven Graham, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
Steve is a senior outreach coordinator in the Earth Observing System Project Science Office. He previously served as the outreach coordinator and webcast moderator for a historic expedition to the North Pole and the Aqua mission. He has presented at numerous Earth science education workshops and meetings around the country.

Irene Ladd, Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia 
Irene is a retired teacher who joined the Surface Ozone Measurements for GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) team to develop the GLOBE protocol and field-test instruments used for measuring surface ozone. She has developed educational materials and training for the program.

Katherine Lorentz, Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia
Katherine is the lead science writer for the Science Directorate at Langley. She coordinates coverage of the directorate's research activities and field campaigns for internal NASA media and the public.

Louis Nguyen, Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia
As a satellite expert and research computer engineer, Louis is considered a pioneer in satellite calibration. He works with operational weather and research satellites to derive real-time cloud properties for weather applications and climate studies. He also develops interactive, scientific, Web-based applications and conducts research on aircraft icing and contrails.
 
Claire Parkinson, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
Claire, a scientist who has traveled to Antarctica and the North Pole, uses satellite data to determine changes in the Arctic and Antarctic sea ice covers and relates them to climate change. She is the project scientist for the Earth-observing Aqua satellite and has written several books, including one on the history of science.

Margaret Pippin, Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia 
Margaret is an atmospheric scientist interested in the analysis of observational data sets to better understand the chemistry of the atmosphere, particularly the biogenic hydrocarbons and their ozone-production potential. She has been active in science education for over twenty years and enjoys working with students of all ages.

Steve Platnick, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
Steve's current scientific research includes theoretical and experimental studies of satellite, aircraft, and ground-based cloud remote sensing. His previous experience has included work with the Climate and Radiation Branch in the Laboratory for Atmospheres, the Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology, the Ames Research Center, Hewlett-Packard Company, and North Carolina A&T State University.

John Skelly, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
John is professor emeritus of plant pathology at Penn State. His expertise is in forest pathology and air pollution's effects on forest trees and native plants in northern temperate regions. He is a consultant on the use of ozone-sensitive plants as bioindicators.

Stephanie Stockman, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
Stephanie is a senior education and outreach specialist, who serves as the lead for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, Goddard Center for Astrobiology, and the MESSENGER mission to Mercury. She has more than fifteen years of experience in geoscience education and research—developing curriculum materials, designing and conducting teacher workshops, and teaching geology and chemistry at the community college level.

David Westberg, Langley Research Center, Hampton,Virginia
David is part of a team of scientists who maintain a twenty-three-year solar and meteorological dataset, which is accessible to those who make important decisions about building design, renewable energy, and agro-climatology. He analyzes, validates, and develops ways to improve the accuracy of the meteorological dataset.

Darrel Williams, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland
Darrel serves as project scientist for the Landsat missions currently in orbit. He has researched enhanced remote-sensing techniques for assessing forest ecosystems worldwide. He has received NASA medals for Outstanding Leadership (1997) and Exceptional Service (2000), as well as an Outstanding Alumni Award (2006) from the School of Forest Resources at Pennsylvania State University.