
Kartik Sheth – Former Deputy Program Scientist, NASA
Former Deputy Program Scientist, NASA
Dr. Kartik Sheth is a world-renowned astrophysicist specializing in galaxy formation, star formation, and the interstellar medium. He is NASA’s Associate Chief Scientist, advising on science policy, fostering cross-agency collaboration, and representing NASA on key scientific issues. Previously, he served as a Program Examiner at the White House, managing an $8.5 billion Department of Energy budget, and as Assistant Director for Research Infrastructures at the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy.
Dr. Sheth has held leadership roles at NASA, overseeing missions like Webb and Spitzer, and advancing initiatives on Earth observation benefits. He is the founder of Empowered Earth Alliance, a nonprofit addressing climate resilience. A Fellow of the American Physical Society, he has over 180 publications with 25,000+ citations. Born in Mumbai, India, he holds degrees in Physics and Astronomy and enjoys traveling, golfing, gardening, and vegan cooking.