Goddard, First Stop For Associate Administrator

Dr. Loston, Associate Administrator for Education presents educational initiative while at Goddard.

Dr. Adena Williams Loston, Associate Administrator for Education for NASA spent a day at Goddard, her first stop on an official introductory tour of all NASA centers. In September Dr. Loston came to NASA to serve as Administrator Sean O'Keefe's Senior Advisor for Education. Appointed to her present position on October 28, she is responsible for guiding NASA's efforts to organize and enhance the agency education programs.

Her day at Goddard began with an overview of Goddard's mission, vision and organization in the Center Director's conference room. Education was the major topic discussed and included Goddard's education structure and implementation. Goddard Wallops educational activities were also presented.

Following lunch with Executive Council members, Dr. Loston met with staff members of Goddard's education programs. She spoke of the Educator Astronaut Program and outlined NASA goals for education. They include motivating students to pursue careers in science, math and engineering; providing educator with unique teaching tools; improving our Nation's scientific literacy; and engaging the public in shaping and sharing the experience of exploration and discovery.

Photos by Chris Gunn/293
	Dr. Loston views scientific visualizations through 3-D eyeware as Center Director Al Diaz looks on.

After her presentation Dr. Loston toured Goddard facilities that included the Spacecraft Test and Integration Facility, Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Operations (SOHO) and the Science Visualization Laboratory.

A reception in the Center Director's conference room ended the day at Goddard for Dr. Loston. "We have a responsibility to enlighten and inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and technologists," Administrator O'Keefe has said. "Adena is uniquely qualified to help lead this initiative. As an administrator, teacher and a leader in education, her expertise is needed here in Washington as we continue to develop NASA's unique educational programs," Administrator O'Keefe said during his introduction of Dr. Loston as an Associate Administrator in October.

Dr. Loston is a graduate of Alcorn State University and received her Master of Education degree and Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Prior to joining NASA she served as president of San Jacinto College in Houston for the past five years.