18 July 2022
The Associate Administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD), Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, has made a selection to permanently fill the critical position of Astrophysics Division Director. Dr. Mark Clampin will join SMD on 15 August 2022. Dr. Zurbuchen extends his sincere appreciation to Dr. Paul Hertz, who has served as the Astrophysics Division Director for over 10 years. Paul’s efforts to SMD and the scientific community have brought us significant strides that will live on long after his tenure. Paul will continue in the SMD Front Office as a Senior Advisor.
Mark has more than 25 years of extensive scientific, technical, management, and programmatic experience, which includes over seven years in leadership roles. He has worked at the directorate, division, and branch levels, gaining valuable experience in the areas of operations, scientific research, and development.
Currently, Mark serves as the Director of the Science and Exploration Directorate within the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). He leads one of the Agency’s largest science organizations spanning SMD’s science disciplines. Mark is also a seasoned leader who sets scientific priorities for the GSFC Science and Exploration Directorate, which informs the deployment of key resources such as research and strategic investments, labor, technical equipment, and facilities.
Prior assignments include Director of the Astrophysics Division, and Deputy Director within the GSFC Science and Exploration Directorate. In recognition of his outstanding leadership and career achievements, Mark was recently recognized with a Presidential Rank Award.
Prior to joining NASA, Mark began his career with the European Space Agency, Johns Hopkins University, and Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI). His experience both as a leader and developer of astrophysics instruments and spacecraft uniquely qualify him for this critical leadership position with SMD.
Please join us in welcoming Mark to Headquarters!