Erickson’s Retirement: Celebrating Over 40 Years of Service

Get ready to hear about the latest news from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) on this blog. Today, we’re celebrating the incredible career of Kristen Erickson, who will be retiring at the end of 2023 after 40 years with NASA. Kristen has made remarkable contributions to the agency, mentoring countless scientists and engineers and leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Kristen’s career began at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas in 1983. She later transferred to NASA Headquarters in Washington and played a pivotal role in leading various offices and initiatives, including the Space Operations Business office during the Space Shuttle Program’s peak.

After completing a NASA fellowship at Harvard’s Kennedy School, Kristen returned to NASA Headquarters and was chosen as the lead management executive for the Office of Biological and Physical Research, which has since become a division in the Science Mission Directorate. She continued to take on impactful roles, ultimately transitioning to NASA science in 2009, where she led successful campaigns and projects that engaged audiences worldwide.

One of Kristen’s proudest achievements was NASA’s 2017 total solar eclipse communications efforts, which engaged over 88% of the US adult population. Her dedication to creating integrated working groups and fostering a cohesive strategic public engagement environment has left an indelible mark on NASA’s science outreach efforts.

As Kristen moves into the next phase of her life, we wish her the best and know that her legacy will continue to inspire and guide our robust team of science engagement experts. Learn more about Kristen’s incredible journey here and don’t forget to read more.