Joel Scott

Joel Scott serves as Program Executive for Earth Science Data Systems within NASA’s Earth Science Division, where he helps lead the strategy and evolution of one of the world’s largest environmental data enterprises. He oversees NASA’s Earth science data infrastructure, supporting more than 180 petabytes of observations collected from satellites, aircraft, field campaigns, and models that are used by researchers, decision-makers, and organizations around the globe.

Joel’s work focuses on advancing the future of Earth science data through cloud computing, artificial intelligence, open science, and modern digital infrastructure. He provides leadership for major Earthdata modernization initiatives and helps guide implementation of NASA’s Earthdata Artificial Intelligence Strategy, enabling new approaches to scientific discovery and data-driven decision-making.

In addition to his Earth Science Data Systems responsibilities, Joel represents the agency in international Earth observation and data coordination activities, including collaborations with the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS), and organizations supporting the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Through these partnerships, he works to strengthen global collaboration, data interoperability, and increase access to Earth intelligence.

Joel’s background spans scientific research, applied science, data systems, and executive program leadership across NASA and the private sector. He is a frequent speaker and panelist on topics including Earth observation, cloud transformation, artificial intelligence, open science, and the future of scientific data systems.

He holds degrees from Texas A&M University and Florida State University and remains passionate about ensuring that Earth observations and scientific information can be transformed into knowledge that helps society better understand, respond, and thrive on our home planet.