The NASA Ames Science Directorate has formally recognized seven individuals—Steve Ormsby, Aphrodite Kostakis, Alejandro Borlaff, Sarah Nickerson, Martina Caussi, Keiko Nomura, and Stephen Broccardo—for their exceptional contributions, which exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit, technical expertise, and collaborative disposition critical to advancing NASA’s ambitious mission of exploring our world and beyond. These commendations highlight a broad spectrum of critical work, spanning facility operations, groundbreaking data science for space telescopes, innovative planetary research, and cutting-edge Earth science applications, underscoring the multifaceted nature of scientific and operational excellence required for modern space exploration.
The recognition event, held at NASA Ames Research Center, served as a testament to the diverse talents and unwavering dedication that underpin the agency’s scientific endeavors. Located in California’s Silicon Valley, NASA Ames has a rich history of pioneering research and development, from early aeronautics to advanced computing and space exploration technologies. Its Science Directorate is a nexus for interdisciplinary research, focusing on areas vital to NASA’s strategic goals, including understanding the origins and evolution of life, exploring other worlds, and safeguarding our home planet. The individuals honored represent a cross-section of this vibrant scientific community, including both NASA employees and key personnel from vital contractor partners such as Amentum and the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute (BAERI), whose expertise is integral to the daily operations and long-term success of the center.
Operational Pillars: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency for Scientific Breakthroughs
The foundation of any complex scientific enterprise like NASA Ames lies in its operational integrity, facility safety, and efficient infrastructure. Two of the honorees, Steve Ormsby and Aphrodite Kostakis, were recognized for their indispensable roles in these critical areas, working within the Space Biosciences Division and contributing significantly through Amentum, a company renowned for its comprehensive support services to government agencies.
Steve Ormsby, a project engineer for the Space Biosciences Division with Amentum in the Center Operations Directorate, received recognition for his unwavering perseverance, dedication, and initiative. His responsibilities encompass overseeing the safety of division facilities and infrastructure maintenance, a role demanding meticulous attention to detail and proactive problem-solving. In an environment housing sensitive biological experiments, advanced research equipment, and critical life support systems, Ormsby’s diligence ensures that researchers can operate without concern for their physical environment. Furthermore, his exceptional diligence as a property custodian speaks to the broader need for accountability and resource management within a large federal agency. Proper inventory, maintenance, and allocation of equipment are not merely administrative tasks; they directly impact the continuity of research projects and the responsible use of taxpayer funds. Ormsby’s contributions are thus fundamental to maintaining the operational readiness that allows cutting-edge space bioscience research to flourish, underpinning investigations into how living systems adapt to space environments, crucial for future long-duration human missions.
Aphrodite Kostakis, the Facility Service Manager with Amentum for building N239 in the Space Biosciences Division, was acknowledged for her exemplary work ethic in maintaining building safety. Her role is particularly vital in a research facility where stringent safety protocols are paramount, ranging from chemical handling to biological containment. Kostakis’s proactive approach includes preparing for and leading Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) inspections with remarkable diligence and attention. The VPP, a program managed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), recognizes employers and workers who have implemented effective safety and health management systems and maintain injury and illness rates below national averages. Her success in these inspections not only ensures compliance but also fosters a culture of safety that permeates the entire division. Beyond compliance, Kostakis has been instrumental in suggesting infrastructure improvements and ensuring their implementation for everyone’s benefit. This forward-thinking approach, identifying potential issues before they escalate and advocating for solutions, directly contributes to a safer, more efficient, and more productive research environment, allowing scientists to focus on their primary mission of discovery. The continuous improvement cycle she champions is a model for best practices in facility management within high-stakes research settings.
Illuminating the Cosmos: Breakthroughs in Astrophysics Data Science
The quest to understand the universe requires not only powerful observatories but also sophisticated analytical tools to extract meaningful information from vast datasets. Two scientists from the Astrophysics Division, associated with the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute (BAERI), were honored for their transformative contributions to this field: Alejandro Borlaff and Sarah Nickerson. BAERI is a non-profit research institution that collaborates extensively with NASA, providing scientific and technical support for a wide range of Earth and space science programs.
Alejandro (Alex) Borlaff, a research scientist, was recognized for his exceptional leadership in pioneering and developing image reduction pipelines for two of NASA’s most iconic and anticipated space telescopes: the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the Roman Space Telescope’s Wide Field Instrument (WFI). The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, has revolutionized astronomy with its unparalleled views of the universe, but even its data requires rigorous processing. The upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, set for launch in the mid-2020s, promises to be NASA’s next flagship observatory, equipped with a Wide Field Instrument designed to capture images 100 times larger than Hubble’s, covering vast swathes of the sky with unprecedented speed and sensitivity.
Borlaff’s algorithms represent a significant leap forward in the detection of ultra-low surface brightness features—extremely faint structures that are often obscured by various sources of background contamination. These contaminants include scattered light within the telescope optics and zodiacal light, which is sunlight scattered by dust particles in our solar system’s ecliptic plane. Rigorous modeling and subtraction of these subtle but pervasive noise sources are crucial for uncovering hidden cosmic phenomena, such as the faint outer halos of galaxies, diffuse intergalactic light, or tidal streams from galactic mergers. By maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio, Borlaff’s work directly enhances the scientific yield from these flagship astrophysics missions, enabling astronomers to probe the faintest reaches of the universe and gain new insights into galaxy formation, dark matter distribution, and the cosmic web. His methods ensure that the multi-billion-dollar investments in these telescopes are fully leveraged, pushing the boundaries of what is observable.
Sarah Nickerson, also a research scientist in the Astrophysics Division with BAERI, received recognition for her exceptional work on the analysis and curation of data taken from the EXES instrument on NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) observatory. SOFIA was a Boeing 747SP aircraft modified to carry a 2.7-meter reflecting telescope, flying at altitudes up to 45,000 feet (13.7 kilometers) to get above more than 99% of Earth’s atmospheric water vapor, which significantly absorbs infrared light. This unique airborne platform allowed astronomers to observe the universe in infrared wavelengths that are inaccessible from ground-based telescopes. The Echelon-cross-Echelle Spectrograph (EXES) was a high-resolution mid-infrared spectrograph on SOFIA, designed to study the physical and chemical conditions of regions where stars and planets form, as well as the atmospheres of planets and comets within our solar system and beyond.
Nickerson’s meticulous work on analyzing and curating EXES data was critical in transforming raw observations into high-level data products. These products are calibrated, processed, and validated datasets that are readily usable by the global astrophysics community, eliminating the need for individual researchers to undertake complex initial data reduction. This accessibility fosters continued discovery and synergy with other NASA missions by providing a robust repository of infrared spectroscopic data. Although SOFIA concluded its operational mission in September 2022 after 8 years of scientific operations, its legacy lives on through the high-quality data products curated by scientists like Nickerson. Her efforts ensure that the wealth of information gathered by SOFIA continues to contribute to our understanding of the universe, supporting comparative studies with data from other infrared observatories like the James Webb Space Telescope and enabling future theoretical modeling and observational planning.
Exploring Icy Worlds: Planetary Science Innovations
NASA’s Planetary Science Division is at the forefront of exploring our solar system, seeking to understand planetary formation, the conditions for life, and the potential for resources beyond Earth. Martina Caussi’s work exemplifies this exploratory spirit, focusing on one of the most intriguing ocean worlds in our solar system.
Martina Caussi, a NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) Fellow in the Planetary Science and Exobiology Division, was recognized for her outstanding work using finite element simulations to determine that topographic relaxation has played a significant role in shaping Tegid, an unusually shaped impact crater on Europa. Europa, one of Jupiter’s largest moons, is a prime target in the search for extraterrestrial life, as evidence strongly suggests it harbors a vast subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust. The Europa Clipper mission, set for launch in October 2024, is NASA’s dedicated mission to investigate Europa’s habitability by performing detailed reconnaissance of the moon.
Caussi’s research provides valuable precursory science for Europa Clipper. Impact craters on icy bodies like Europa can reveal much about the properties of their crusts and subsurface oceans. Topographic relaxation is a geological process where the stresses created by an impact or other features on a planetary surface gradually deform over time due to the viscous flow of subsurface material—in Europa’s case, potentially warm ice or even the liquid ocean itself. Tegid, with its unique morphology, offered a perfect case study. By employing finite element simulations, which are powerful computational tools for analyzing how structures react to forces, Caussi modeled how the icy crust of Europa might have deformed over geological timescales. Her findings that topographic relaxation significantly influenced Tegid’s shape provide crucial insights into the thermal state, thickness, and viscosity of Europa’s ice shell. This understanding will be instrumental for Europa Clipper, as it will help scientists interpret the high-resolution images and other data the mission collects. Better understanding the mechanics of Europa’s crust and its interaction with the subsurface ocean is key to refining our understanding of this ocean world’s potential for life and its geological evolution, contributing directly to one of NASA’s most compelling scientific objectives.
Safeguarding Our Planet: Earth Science and AI Frontiers
NASA’s commitment to understanding and protecting Earth is realized through its Earth Science Division, which utilizes satellites, airborne missions, and ground-based observations to monitor our planet’s vital signs. Two scientists, Keiko Nomura and Stephen Broccardo, were honored for their contributions to advancing Earth science through innovative data applications and remote sensing capabilities.
Keiko Nomura, a research scientist for the NASA Earth Exchange (NEX) in the Earth Science Division with BAERI, was acknowledged for her timely efforts in leadership, stakeholder engagement, coordination with NASA Headquarters management, and team building for the recently funded NEX-GeoAI project. The NASA Earth Exchange (NEX) is a platform for scientific collaboration, knowledge sharing, and data analysis that enables researchers to explore and analyze large Earth science datasets. The NEX-GeoAI project represents a significant strategic initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) with geospatial data, a field increasingly known as GeoAI.
GeoAI is revolutionizing how we monitor, model, and predict environmental changes. It involves applying AI techniques to geospatial data, such as satellite imagery, climate models, and ground sensor data, to uncover patterns, make predictions, and inform decision-making. Nomura’s leadership was crucial in bringing together diverse stakeholders, including researchers, data scientists, and policy makers, and securing funding for this ambitious project. Her ability to coordinate with NASA HQ management underscores the project’s strategic alignment with broader agency goals for advanced data analytics and technological innovation. The NEX-GeoAI project is now being recognized as a key step forward to establishing NASA as the ground-truthing agency for federal and private sector GeoAI modeling activities for decision making. Ground-truthing involves verifying remotely sensed data with observations made on the ground, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of AI models trained on satellite imagery and other remote sensing products. This is vital for applications ranging from monitoring deforestation and agricultural yields to predicting natural disasters and assessing climate impacts. By setting standards and providing validated data, NASA, through Nomura’s leadership, is poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring that GeoAI technologies provide accurate and actionable insights for environmental management and policy worldwide.
Stephen Broccardo, a research scientist in the Earth Science Division with BAERI, was recognized for exceptional initiative and technical leadership in sustaining and advancing Ames’ atmospheric remote-sensing capabilities. Atmospheric remote sensing involves collecting information about Earth’s atmosphere from a distance, typically using instruments on satellites, aircraft, or ground-based platforms. These capabilities are crucial for monitoring atmospheric composition, aerosol distribution, cloud properties, and greenhouse gas concentrations—all vital parameters for climate change research, air quality assessment, and weather forecasting.
Broccardo has been instrumental in maintaining critical observational capabilities, ensuring the continuous flow of high-quality data from various sensors. This involves not only the technical upkeep of instruments but also the development of robust data processing and calibration techniques. Furthermore, he has developed thoughtful technical milestones for future satellite-validation and science activities. Satellite validation is a cornerstone of Earth observation, where ground-based or airborne measurements are used to verify the accuracy of data collected by orbiting satellites. This process is essential for building confidence in satellite-derived products and ensuring their utility for scientific research and practical applications. Broccardo’s leadership in defining these milestones ensures that NASA Ames remains at the forefront of atmospheric science, contributing to the development of more accurate climate models, better air quality forecasts, and a deeper understanding of Earth’s complex atmospheric system. His work provides the foundational data and validation protocols necessary for future generations of Earth-observing missions, strengthening NASA’s role as a global leader in environmental monitoring.
A Legacy of Innovation and Collaborative Excellence
The commendations bestowed by the NASA Ames Science Directorate underscore a fundamental truth about large-scale scientific endeavors: they are built upon the collective expertise, dedication, and collaborative spirit of countless individuals, both within the agency and among its crucial partners. NASA Ames Research Center, with its nearly 85-year history, has consistently been a hub for groundbreaking research and technological innovation, from its early days in aeronautics to its pivotal role in space exploration, supercomputing, and astrobiology. The individuals recognized in this event embody the very essence of this enduring legacy.
The contributions of Steve Ormsby and Aphrodite Kostakis highlight the indispensable nature of operational excellence and robust infrastructure. Without their meticulous attention to safety, maintenance, and facility management, the advanced research conducted by the Space Biosciences Division, which investigates the effects of space on living systems, would simply not be possible. Their work, though often behind the scenes, is the bedrock upon which scientific discovery is built.
In the realm of astrophysics, Alejandro Borlaff and Sarah Nickerson demonstrate the profound impact of sophisticated data science. Borlaff’s pioneering algorithms for the Hubble and Roman Space Telescopes unlock new frontiers in our understanding of galaxy evolution and the faint structures of the cosmos, ensuring that these multi-billion-dollar observatories yield their maximum scientific potential. Nickerson’s diligent curation of SOFIA’s EXES data ensures that the rich legacy of this unique airborne observatory continues to inform and inspire the global astrophysics community, even after its operational retirement. Their efforts exemplify how advanced analytical techniques are as vital as the telescopes themselves.
Martina Caussi’s work in planetary science on Europa’s Tegid crater offers a compelling example of how focused, innovative research can lay critical groundwork for future flagship missions. Her finite element simulations provide a crucial interpretive framework for the Europa Clipper mission, enhancing our understanding of this icy moon’s potential for habitability and its geological processes. This foresight in preparatory science is a hallmark of successful deep-space exploration.
Finally, Keiko Nomura and Stephen Broccardo represent the cutting edge of Earth science and technological integration. Nomura’s leadership in the NEX-GeoAI project positions NASA at the forefront of leveraging artificial intelligence for environmental monitoring and decision-making, setting standards for a rapidly evolving field. Broccardo’s dedication to sustaining and advancing atmospheric remote-sensing capabilities ensures that NASA Ames continues to provide vital data for climate research, air quality, and weather prediction, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to understanding and protecting our home planet.
Broader Impact and Implications for Future Exploration
The collective impact of these seven individuals’ work extends far beyond their immediate projects. It strengthens NASA’s overall capabilities across its scientific portfolios, fosters innovation, and ensures the responsible stewardship of public resources. Their contributions enable future missions, refine our understanding of the universe, inform critical decisions about Earth’s environment, and ultimately inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. The entrepreneurial spirit—the drive to innovate and take initiative—coupled with deep technical expertise and a collaborative disposition, as highlighted by the Science Directorate, is not merely aspirational; it is demonstrably the engine that propels NASA’s mission forward.
This recognition event serves as a powerful reminder that while NASA often captures headlines with its spectacular rocket launches and distant planetary images, the agency’s success is fundamentally rooted in the consistent, high-quality work of individuals who push the boundaries of knowledge, maintain critical infrastructure, and develop the sophisticated tools necessary for exploration. Their efforts are integral to NASA’s enduring legacy of discovery and its ongoing pursuit of answers to humanity’s most profound questions about our place in the cosmos.
