A solar physicist is appointed as NASA’s scientific director.
On Monday, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced the appointment of Dr. Nicola Fox as the new associate administrator for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, effective immediately. Dr. Fox was previously the director of the Heliophysics Division at NASA, where she played a key role in expanding the impacts and awareness of NASA’s solar exploration missions.
As the head of Science at NASA, Dr. Fox will be responsible for overseeing a portfolio of more than 100 NASA missions that explore the secrets of the universe, addressing a wide range of questions from how hurricanes form on Earth to whether we are alone in the universe. In addition to her scientific leadership, Dr. Fox will also be responsible for creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that supports a diverse team of scientists and engineers at all stages of their careers.
Dr. Fox has been with NASA since 2018, leading the agency’s efforts to study the Sun and how its constant solar wind affects Earth and other planets. Prior to joining NASA, she worked at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, where she was the chief scientist for heliophysics and the project scientist for NASA’s Parker Solar Probe.
Throughout her career, Dr. Fox has authored numerous scientific articles and papers, and has delivered science presentations around the world. She has received multiple awards for her leadership in the field of heliophysics, including the American Astronautical Society’s Carl Sagan Memorial Award in 2021 and NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal in 2020.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson also expressed his gratitude for the interim leadership of Sandra Connelly, who kept the mission moving forward over the past few months. He looks forward to working with Dr. Fox as she brings her talents, expertise, and passion to her new role.
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