Mars Exploration: Zip Code Mars


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Photo of James (Jim) Erickson

   James (Jim) Erickson

   Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Project Manager
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Pasadena, California
United States Of America


Education



High School: Alemany High School, San Fernando, CA



Bachelor of Science Physics, Harvey Mudd College



Masters of Business Administration, West Coast University

Background Information

Since coming to JPL in 1974, I have worked on a number of projects including Viking, Voyager, Mars Observer, Galileo, and the Mars Exploration Rovers. I've had a chance to work on ground system development, building flight software, running operations teams in flight, and managing the overall projects for both Galileo and the Mars Rovers.

Contributions to Mars Exploration

As Project Manager, I ran the overall strategy elements for the Orbiter, ensuring the personnel on the team had funding, direction, and that there were sufficient trained personnel to perform their tasks. [more contributions ...] Personal Reflections

Clearly, education is the key. During your college careers, examine the people you admire most in your field. Find out what education they needed to qualify for the jobs they hold, and what education they thought was the most important, even if it wasn't required. [more personal reflections ...]