Team Lead for the Applied Science Program at MSFC
Dr. Rickman fills three roles. He is responsible for coordination and direction of the projects funded at Marshall Space Flight Center by the Applied Science Program. He also is responsible for individual projects and is an active participant in project's technical aspects.
Coordination
MSFC has more than 12 people actively involved in activities funded by the Applied Sciences Program. Their work covers the breadth of the program. Currently there are efforts in several National Applications, such as water management, ecological forecasting, air quality, and public health. There are also support activities related to the entire Applied Sciences Program, such as GEOSS. MSFC also is funded for work under Crosscutting Solutions. Funding is also authorized for work within the Mississippi Research Consortium. All of this work is spread across three different organizations, NASA civil servants, personnel working for University Space Research Association, and the faculty of the University of Alabama, Huntsville. Most of the people involved are senior, research scientists with expertise across an very wide range of topics. Doug is charged with keeping all of this coherent and responsive to the needs of the program. Part of this responsibility is to also provide an interface, both for other elements of NASA into the MSFC Applied Science Program and for MSFC into the rest of the program.
Direction
Both the Marshall team and the Applied Science Program evolve within the larger context of a changing NASA. Determining how MSFC can best serve Applied Sciences requires a strategic view. Not all opportunities should be pursued. Sometimes recommendations and input to help guide the program are needed. Commonly, opportunity exists in interaction with other field centers and other agencies. Balancing competing factors and building consensus for a course of action is part of Dr. Rickman's responsibilities.
Projects
Dr. Rickman has been working on projects funded by the Applied Science Program and its predecessors for 25 years. His experience is directly applicable to almost every element of the program. Currently he is actively involved in questions of public health, air quality, energy and water management. In the recent past he has also worked in agricultural efficiency and disaster management.
Simulant Development
Dr Rickman acts as the Project Scientist on NASA's Simulant Development Program at the Marshall Space Flight Center. Dr. Rickman beings his background and knowledge as an economic geologist to the program and has helped NASA chart a course for simulant development never before attempted. In this role Dr. Rickman oversees the technical services provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and interfaces with other scientists and organizations interested in simulants and participates in the International Standards Committee (ISO) development of an international standard for lunar simulants.
(256) 961-7889-phone
doug.rickman@nasa.gov
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