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For release: 07/09/01
Release #: N01-006
Dr. Norine Noonan named executive director of National Space Science and Technology Center
Norine E. Noonan has been named executive director of the National Space Science and Technology Center in Huntsville, Ala., officials said today. She will begin her duties in August.
Photo: Noonan (Steve Delaney, Environmental Protection Agency)
Norine E. Noonan has been named executive director of the National Space Science and Technology Center in Huntsville, Ala., officials said today. She will begin her duties in August.
Dr. Noonan will be responsible for managing the national science laboratory, according to Dr. Ron Greenwood, director of the Space Science and Technology Alliance (SSTA) and vice president for research at The University of Alabama in Huntsville.
"With Dr. Noonan's knowledge and experience, the research center will become an exemplary national science and technology environment for the conduct and communication of cutting-edge space research, development and education in support of NASA's mission and the nation's needs," Greenwood said. "She has a strong background in science and technology and has held key positions in government and academia. Dr. Noonan has what it takes to provide outstanding leadership for this important research center."
Noonan said she is excited about her new assignment, and understands the challenges ahead.
"This center brings together outstanding scientists from NASA and academia in an innovative organization that fosters and encourages cutting-edge research," she said. "It's already doing great things. I believe it can be a new model for strong and productive research collaboration between government, academia and industry."
NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville is providing a core of science and technology expertise to the center, focusing on research space science, Earth sciences, information technology, optics and energy technology, propulsion, biotechnology and materials science.
"We are pleased Dr. Noonan will be leading the National Space Science and Technology Center," said Art Stephenson, Marshall Center Director. "Already, the NSSTC is making great strides in researching topics ranging from solar storms in space to weather right here on Earth. I'm confident that under her leadership, we will continue to see outstanding results from the scientists and engineers dedicated to this research."
The National Space Science and Technology Center recently held its ribbon cutting ceremony for the 120,000 square-foot facility located adjacent to the UAH campus. An 80,000 square-foot addition is under construction and should be occupied next summer.
The center is a partnership between the Marshall Center and the SSTA, which includes Alabama A & M University, Auburn University, The University of Alabama, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, The University of Alabama in Huntsville and the University of South Alabama.
Noonan received her undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont and received her master's and doctorate from Princeton University.
From 1998 to 2001, she served as assistant administrator for Research and Development in the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development. From 1992 to 1998, she was vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School at the Florida Institute of Technology.
From 1983 to 1992, Dr. Noonan was a senior staff member of the Energy and Science Division, Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President, Washington, D.C. where she served as the chief of the Science and Space Programs branch. She is a member of Sigma Xi and Phi Beta Kappa and is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
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