Barry L. Lefer
Associate Director for Research (Acting)
Barry L. Lefer received a B.A. in Environmental Sciences from the University of Virginia (1989) and a M.S. (1991) and Ph.D. (1997) in Earth Sciences-Geochemical Systems from the University of New Hampshire. After a post-doctoral position at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) with the Advanced Studies Program, Dr. Lefer stayed at NCAR an additional five years working in the Atmospheric Chemistry Division. In 2004, he joined the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Houston to study the impact of clouds and aerosols on ozone photochemistry; photochemical reactions occurring within a snow-pack, measurements of industrial emissions; the relationship between meteorology and air quality; and health effects of air pollution. In June 2015, Barry Lefer joined NASA’s Earth Sciences Division as the program manager of the Tropospheric Composition Program (TCP). In this role he was the Program Scientist for the TEMPO and MOPITT satellite missions as well as several airborne projects, including: SARP, KORUS-AQ, FIREX-AQ, TRACER-AQ, STAQS, and ASIA-AQ. In September 2024, he served at the Rotational Deputy Associate Director for Research, becoming the Associate Director for Research (Acting) in May 2025.
Dr. Barry Lefer
NASA headquarters
barry.lefer@nasa.gov
202-358-3857