NASA finalized a Cooperative Agreement with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), authorizing the organization to serve as the independent non-profit entity for management of the U.S. International Space Station National Laboratory (ISS NL). The mission of CASIS is to maximize the value of the investment the U.S. government has made in the ISS and to advance its scientific and technological capabilities over the next decade.
Leading CASIS efforts is Jeanne L. Becker, Ph.D., Executive Director. Dr. Becker’s 20 year career has been dedicated to the advancement of research and space-based initiatives, including serving as Associate Director of the John M. Eisenberg Center for Clinical Decisions and Communications Science (a partner organization to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality), Vice President and Associate Director of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (a partner organization to NASA), and Chief Science Officer for Astrogenetix, Inc. She has held faculty positions at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of South Florida College of Medicine.
“The CASIS team is thrilled to be chosen by NASA to oversee R&D aboard the ISS National Lab. CASIS provides an exciting and innovative approach to science management and STEM education. We look forward to partnering with NASA to bring meaningful return on investments made aboard the ISS and to facilitate new discoveries made possible by the space environment.”
Joining Dr. Becker on her management team will be James D. Royston, Director of Strategy and Planning and Joanne O. Hutcheson, Director of Administration. Mr. Royston has more than 20 years of management, strategic planning and technical operations expertise in aerospace and defense industries. Ms. Hutcheson brings more than 25 years of management experience in human resources, information technology, and finance within corporate and non-profit organizations.
The ISS NL provides a one-of-a-kind microgravity research environment that cannot be replicated on Earth. The facility offers a broad spectrum of extreme conditions for basic and applied research in such areas as biological sciences, biotechnology, human health, physical and materials science, earth and space imaging and engineering R&D. CASIS is focused on developing and managing a diversified R&D portfolio based on U.S. national needs for basic and applied research; establishing a marketplace that facilitates the matching of research pathways with qualified funding sources; and stimulating interest in using ISS NL for conducting research, technology demonstrations, and as a platform for STEM education. CASIS is dedicated to supporting, promoting and accelerating innovations and new discoveries in science, engineering and technology that result in the betterment of humankind and enhance life on our planet.
For more information, please visit the CASIS website, which will go live on September 15, 2011 at www.iss-casis.org.
