Kristen J. Erickson

Selected in June 2014 as NASA's Director for Science Engagement and Partnerships, Ms. Erickson manages NASA’s Science Activation program, citizen science, external information technologies, and strategic communications for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. Previously, Ms. Erickson led the science engagement efforts for NASA’s Planetary Science. Successes include the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse nationwide engagement (largest in the history of the U.S.); 2012 Mars Curiosity Landing awareness campaign, 2012 Transit of Venus engagement, and other Solar System mission activities. From 2006 to 2009, she led NASA’s Strategic Communications, including NASA’s 50th Anniversary and the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo program celebrations. Previously, she led the Space Shuttle Program Business Office 1994-1999), Office of Biological and Physical Research Enterprise management (2001-2003), and various functional staff offices, including procurement, budgets, and Executive Officer position. Starting her career at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas; she has over 37 years in various leadership roles and has college degrees from Texas A&M University and Harvard University.