HawkeTalk 138. Dr. Lori Glaze: Leading NASA's Planetary Science & Space Exploration
What does it take to lead NASA’s groundbreaking planetary missions? Lori Glaze, the powerhouse behind NASA's Planetary Science Division, has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of space exploration. From Earth to Mars, her leadership is shaping the future of space science.
In this episode, I’m thrilled to speak with Dr. Lori Glaze, a renowned planetary scientist and volcanologist, whose journey from a curious math and science enthusiast in North Texas to a leading researcher at NASA is nothing short of inspiring. Dr. Glaze shares how her engineer parents and the eruption of Mount St. Helens ignited her passion for volcanology, setting her on a path to groundbreaking work at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Goddard Space Flight Center.
She provides an insider’s perspective on navigating research funding, the fast-paced environment at NASA headquarters, and the challenges of working within the federal budget. We also dive into the Artemis program—a visionary effort to return humans to the Moon and eventually land astronauts on Mars—highlighting the vital role of collaboration with commercial partners.
Dr. Glaze offers valuable advice for aspiring professionals, including trusting oneself and overcoming imposter syndrome. This engaging conversation underscores the importance of curiosity, mentorship, and resilience in driving scientific discovery.
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In this episode:
(00:00:00) Introduction to Lori Glaze's journey
(00:05:17) Influence of Mount St. Helens eruption
(00:10:20) Research on Venus
(00:15:30) Changes in space interest over time
(00:20:01) Mars volcanism research
(00:25:12) Return to NASA Goddard
(00:25:35) New robotic missions
(00:29:57) Career transition to leadership
(00:35:10) Challenges of fast-paced environment
(00:36:19) Political shifts and stability
(00:37:26) Focus on the Artemis program
(00:39:22) Partnerships with commercial companies
(00:40:49) Future goals for the moon and Mars
(00:41:31) Advice for aspiring professionals
(00:42:19) Closing remarks
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About Our Guest
Lori Glaze is the director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, overseeing missions that explore the solar system and beyond. With over 30 years of experience at NASA, she has held various leadership roles in planetary science research. Glaze has contributed to several high-profile projects, including the Mars Perseverance rover and the Artemis program. Her leadership focuses on advancing scientific discovery and developing partnerships to achieve NASA's exploration goals.
Dr. Lori Glaze
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