Norine E. Noonan has been named executive director of the National Space
Science and Technology Center in Huntsville, Ala., officials said today. She
will begin her duties in August.

Dr. Noonan will be responsible for managing the national science laboratory,
according to Dr. Ron Greenwood, director of the Space Science and Technology
Alliance (SSTA) and vice president for research at The University of Alabama
in Huntsville.

“With Dr. Noonan’s knowledge and experience, the research center will become
an exemplary national science and technology environment for the conduct and
communication of cutting-edge space research, development and education in
support of NASA’s mission and the nation’s needs,” Greenwood said. “She has
a strong background in science and technology and has held key positions in
government and academia. Dr. Noonan has what it takes to provide outstanding
leadership for this important research center.”

Noonan said she is excited about her new assignment, and understands the
challenges ahead.

“This center brings together outstanding scientists from NASA and academia
in an innovative organization that fosters and encourages cutting-edge
research,” she said. “It’s already doing great things. I believe it can be a
new model for strong and productive research collaboration between
government, academia and industry.”

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville is providing a core of
science and technology expertise to the center, focusing on research space
science, Earth sciences, information technology, optics and energy
technology, propulsion, biotechnology and materials science.

“We are pleased Dr. Noonan will be leading the National Space Science and
Technology Center,” said Art Stephenson, Marshall Center Director. “Already,
the NSSTC is making great strides in researching topics ranging from solar
storms in space to weather right here on Earth. I’m confident that under her
leadership, we will continue to see outstanding results from the scientists
and engineers dedicated to this research.”

The National Space Science and Technology Center recently held its ribbon
cutting ceremony for the 120,000 square-foot facility located adjacent to
the UAH campus. An 80,000 square-foot addition is under construction and
should be occupied next summer.

The center is a partnership between the Marshall Center and the SSTA, which
includes Alabama A & M University, Auburn University, The University of
Alabama, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, The University of Alabama
in Huntsville and the University of South Alabama.

Noonan received her undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont and
received her master’s and doctorate from Princeton University.

From 1998 to 2001, she served as assistant administrator for Research and
Development in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and
Development. From 1992 to 1998, she was vice president for research and dean
of the Graduate School at the Florida Institute of Technology.

From 1983 to 1992, Dr. Noonan was a senior staff member of the Energy and
Science Division, Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the
President, Washington, D.C. where she served as the chief of the Science and
Space Programs branch. She is a member of Sigma Xi and Phi Beta Kappa and is
a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.