Owen Littlejohns

Owen Littlejohns has diverse work experience in the field of software development and scientific research. Owen currently works as a Principal Software Engineer at INNOVIM, where they manage the Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Evolution and Development (EED) contract for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. Their role involves providing GIS services and processing mission science data for scientists, policymakers, and the general public.

Prior to this, Owen worked as a Software Engineer at IT.com, where they contributed to the development of the company's technology stack, including backend, React frontend components, PostgreSQL databases, and data science. Owen used machine learning, Python, Java, PostgreSQL, JavaScript, AWS, and Ansible to solve complex problems for clients.

Owen also served as a Scientific Software Developer at ADNET Systems, Inc, working onsite at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). In this role, Owen was responsible for maintaining the High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC) and ensuring public access to NASA X-ray data.

Before that, Owen worked as a Python Software Engineer at Nextiva, where they developed APIs and databases using various technologies including Python, Postgres, Git, RabbitMQ, Erlang, Bash, and Ansible. Owen was primarily involved in backend development for communication applications like web-based messaging, emails, and SMS messages.

Additionally, Owen provided astrophysical expertise, data analysis, and software development as a Software Developer at SkyWatch Space Applications. Owen worked remotely on a platform that combined astronomical object alerts and developed web applications.

Owen's earlier experience includes working as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Arizona State University, where they conducted scientific analyses of gamma-ray burst (GRB) data and fitted mathematical models to GRB emission. Owen also worked as an Undergraduate Lab Demonstrator and Seminar Leader at the University of Leicester, where they led seminars, provided feedback on assignments, and supervised lab sessions.

Overall, Owen has a strong background in software engineering, scientific research, and data analysis, with notable experience in the fields of astrophysics and NASA-related projects.

Owen Littlejohns holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Astrophysics from the University of Leicester, which they earned from 2009 to 2012. Prior to that, they completed their Master's Degree in Physics with Astrophysics at the same university from 2005 to 2009. In addition, they have earned several certifications including the AWS Certified Developer – Associate from Amazon Web Services (AWS) in December 2022, the Certified SAFe® 5 Product Owner/Product Manager from Scaled Agile, Inc. in May 2022, the SAFe 5 Practitioner Certification from Scaled Agile, Inc. in June 2021, and the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA) from Amazon Web Services in December 2018.