Keynote Speech 4

Biography

Dr. Zornetzer is the Associate Center Director at NASA Ames Research Center. He has served as the Deputy Center Director and Center Director (Acting). Prior to that he served as Director of Information Sciences and Technology at NASA Ames. He is an internationally recognized leader in neuroscience and revolutionary, information technology-based applications to aerospace and space exploration missions. The breadth of his expertise ranges from basic research in cognitive, perceptual and neural sciences to applied research in integrative biology, biological information processing, molecular biology, genetic engineering and biomedical science. He plans, directs and coordinates the technology, science, development and operational activities for research and advanced technology across a broad spectrum of research and development including information technology. He also serves as advisor and consultant to senior management officials at other Government agencies in matters concerning supercomputing, optical systems, networks and intelligent systems. Dr. Zornetzer was recognized for his contributions to NASA by receiving the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award in 2001 from President Bush. Before joining NASA in 1997, he headed the Life Sciences Directorate at the Office of Naval Research (ONR). Dr. Zornetzer was widely recognized for his leadership and vision at ONR and received a Presidential Meritorious Rank in 1991 and the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award in 2008 from President Bush. Before joining government service Dr. Zornetzer was a faculty member at the University of California, Irvine. He has over 80 journal publications and has published 3 books

Abstract

NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) has a long history of innovation and invention. From it’s early years as a center of aeronautics research as a part of the US research investment under the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), ARC has developed many ‘firsts’ that revolutionized the fledgling aeronautics industry. Today ARC continues this tradition by supporting the emerging commercial space industry by partnering with companies to transfer enabling technology. The ARC is located in the heart of Silicon Valley where entrepreneurs are pushing the boundaries of traditional approaches and where the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) or ‘Maker’ approach is evolving. The Maker Approach is one of the most important new innovations to enter into NASA’s strategy for the exploration and development of space. Instead of missions having to launch everything they will need from Earth, which is a show-stopper for human Mars missions, we are developing ways to use in situ resources tomanufacturewhat is needed from genericmaterial and fromlocal extraterrestrial materials. This talk will describe where ARC began through today and the new Maker Approach we are now developing to enable future missions.