Nicky Notes

Rocket Scientist. Pioneer. Explorer. NASA Science Associate Administrator.

A meeting room with a rectangular arrangement of tables is shown, with participants seated around the tables. The room appears to be a formal setting for a discussion or meeting. On the left side, there are several individuals of diverse ethnicities and genders, each with laptops, documents, and bottled drinks in front of them. On the right side, there is another group of participants, similarly equipped with laptops, documents, and bottled drinks. At the head of the table, a large flat-screen TV is mounted on the wall with the JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) logo above it. The participants seem engaged in a focused discussion or presentation, with some taking notes and others speaking. The room is well-lit with overhead lights, and a blue curtain is visible in the background.

Artemis, Architecture, and Lunar Science: SMD and ESDMD Associate Administrators visits Tokyo

3 min read

June 18, 2024 At NASA we always say that exploration enables science, and science enables exploration. During a recent, quick trip to Tokyo, Japan with our Associate Administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD), Cathy Koerner, I had…

Article5 months ago
A man and a woman sitting at a table, both signing documents. The background has a banner reading "The European Space Agency (ESA)" with a blue, space-themed design. The woman is on the right, wearing a blue blazer, and the man is on the left, wearing a dark suit and light blue tie.

Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate Visits Partners in Spain, United Kingdom, Greece, and France

5 min read

June 11, 2024 - A few weeks ago, I had the distinct pleasure of engaging with several of our strategic partners and friends across Europe. It was a full European tour: two weeks in Spain, the United Kingdom, Greece and…

Article5 months ago
Dr. Lori Glaze Portrait

Dr. Lori Glaze to begin six-month Detail as Acting Deputy Associate Administrator for ESDMD

3 min read

May 17, 2024 Agency leadership has chosen Dr. Lori Glaze to begin a six-month detail as the Acting Deputy AA for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD).

Article6 months ago
Portrait photo of a smiling woman with dark hair

Erickson to Retire after Over 40 Years of Service

3 min read

December 1, 2023 It is my pleasure to share information about new hires within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) on this blog, and it is also my bittersweet duty to share information about retirements. After 40 years with NASA, Kristen…

Article12 months ago
Portrait photo of a smiling man in a suit.

Announcing the New Heliophysics Division Director 

3 min read

November 29, 2023 NASA has selected Dr. Joseph Westlake to fill the position of Heliophysics Division Director. Joe will join the Science Mission Directorate and assume his new role on Jan. 16, 2024.  I am pleased to have Joe take…

Article12 months ago
Several arms are outstretched and their hands touching.

Welcome to Nicky Notes: Release of NASA Science Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Annual Report

2 min read

November 7, 2023 I am pleased to welcome you to this new blog series – what my team affectionally calls, “Nicky Notes.” Through this platform, I hope to regularly share updates about all of the exciting work we do in…

Article1 year ago