NASA Ames stars of the month January 2025

The NASA Ames Science Directorate has recognized the outstanding contributions of Maurice Valdez, Niki Parenteau, Dori Myer, and Judy Alfter. Their dedication to the NASA mission exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit, technical expertise, and collaborative disposition essential for advancing exploration on Earth and beyond.

NASA Ames Stars of the Month: January 2025

Space Science and Astrobiology Star: Maurice Valdez

Maurice Valdez, a system administrator for the Space Science and Astrobiology Division, has been honored for his unwavering focus and commitment to supporting the division’s scientific productivity. By ensuring systems remain compliant and functional, Valdez plays a vital role in the team's success. His proactive approach, whether in identifying solutions for hybrid meetings, repairing equipment, patching systems, or troubleshooting issues, underscores his invaluable contributions.

Photo credit: NASA

Space Science and Astrobiology Star: Niki Parenteau

Niki Parenteau, a research scientist with the Exobiology Branch, has been recognized for her exceptional contributions as an interdisciplinary astrobiologist. Parenteau has applied her expertise to identifying potential biosignatures of life on exoplanets and has taken a leading role in the development of the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). Her efforts facilitate collaboration among Ames scientists and the broader scientific community, enabling observations of biosignatures with the HWO.

Photo credit: Pacific Science Center

Space Biosciences Star: Dori Myer

Dori Myer, an archivist in the Flight Systems Implementation Branch, has been commended for her significant contributions to a multi-year project aimed at digitizing and preserving institutional knowledge. Under her leadership, the records management team has digitized tens of thousands of historical records, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of critical knowledge. Her initiative has transformed record management processes, modernizing access to NASA’s rich institutional history.

Photo credit: NASA

Earth Science Star: Judy Alfter

Judy Alfter, Deputy Project Manager in the Earth Science Project Office (ESPO), has been celebrated for her exceptional efforts during the field campaign for the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem Post-launch Airborne eXperiment (PACE-PAX). Alfter spearheaded the deployment phase of PACE-PAX, coordinating Twin Otter flight operations at Marina Municipal Airport in California. She subsequently supported ship operations in Santa Barbara and concluded the deployment at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center’s main campus as ESPO site manager for ER-2 flight operations.

Photo credit: NASA