Wanda Peters
KEYNOTE - JUNE 20, 2023
Technology, Instrumentation, and Measurements: The Cornerstone of NASA’s Scientific Discovery
Wanda Peters
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Deputy Associate Administrator for Programs in the Science Mission Directorate (SMD)
ABSTRACT
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) uses the advancement of technology to enable and broaden scientific discovery. From mass spectroscopy to helicopters, NASA utilizes innovative technological developments, including commercial-off-the-shelf parts, to further scientific discovery on Earth, other planets, and in space. These technological advancements lead to better instrumentation and measurements that transform our ability to collect, process, and analyze data. These insights provide us with information about our planet and inform future NASA missions, while producing Spin-Offs that benefit society. Technology and instrumentation are indispensable tools for scientific discovery and highlight the potential for further advancements in the future.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Wanda Peters has over 35 years of scientific, engineering, and programmatic experience working for the federal government and private industry. She is a member of the Senior Executive Service of the United States of America. Presently, Dr. Peters serves as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Programs in the Science Mission Directorate (SMD), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters. She is responsible for overseeing and assessing SMD’s multi-billion dollar portfolio of over 125 missions. She started her career at NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center, in January 1990 as a support contractor and converted into the government in 2005. At NASA, Dr. Peters has worked in the areas of program, project and business management, institutional operations, mechanical systems engineering, space technology development, and safety and mission assurance.
Prior to joining the NASA family, Dr. Peters worked at the Naval Research Laboratory as a research scientist. Dr. Peters is a mentor and advocates for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace. She is a graduate and Senior Executive Fellow of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Dr. Peters received both a Ph.D. in systems engineering and a Master’s in engineering management from George Washington University, a Bachelor of Science in engineering from the Catholic University of America, and a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. She is a native Washingtonian, is married and has two daughters.
