Laurie Leshin

Laurie Leshin has an extensive work experience in various prestigious organizations. Laurie is currently the Director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), making their the first woman Director in the organization's 86-year history. In addition, they serve as Vice President and Bren Professor of Geochemistry and Planetary Science at Caltech, which manages JPL for NASA.

Prior to their role at JPL, Leshin served as the President of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) from 2014 to 2022. During their tenure, they focused on enhancing the size, strength, diversity, and impact of WPI's education and research programs.

Before WPI, Leshin was the Dean of the School of Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. Their responsibilities included expanding interdisciplinary scientific research and education, promoting diversity in STEM fields, and spearheading fundraising and outreach initiatives. Additionally, they worked as a scientist for the Mars Curiosity Rover mission and served on the Advisory Board for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, appointed by President Obama.

Leshin's earlier experiences include roles at NASA, where they served as the Deputy Associate Administrator of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate and Director of Sciences and Exploration Directorate at the Goddard Space Flight Center.

Furthermore, they held the position of Dee and John Whiteman Dean's Distinguished Professor of Geological Sciences at Arizona State University, where they led the development of the School of Earth and Space Exploration and directed the Center for Meteorite Studies. During their time at ASU, Leshin was appointed by President Bush to the Commission for the Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy.

Leshin's career began at UCLA, where they served as the W. W. Rubey Faculty Fellow in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences and the University of California President.

Laurie Leshin holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Arizona State University. Laurie also obtained a Master's Degree in Geochemistry from Caltech, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geochemistry from the same institution.