Meet Dr. Keith Gaddis
Learn about the NASA Space Apps Program Scientist, Dr. Keith Gaddis
Dr. Keith Gaddis has dedicated his career to finding solutions to some of the most pressing problems facing biological diversity in the air, on land, and in water. As program manager for the NASA Biological Diversity and Ecological Forecasting programs at NASA Headquarters, he has utilized observations from satellites, airborne, and seaborne platforms to analyze and forecast ecosystem change and effective resource management.
This data-based problem-solving and dedication to understanding the world (and space!) around us is what the NASA International Space Apps Challenge is all about, and why our team is thrilled to welcome Keith as our new program scientist for Space Apps!
Space Apps serves as an innovation incubator and civic engagement program for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters and the program collaborates across directorates, offices, and Centers throughout the Agency. As a five-time Space Apps challenge writer, Keith has had a front row seat in engaging participants and observing their potential to create solutions over just a few days of the hackathon. Now, Keith serves in this key role for Space Apps so that he can further assist the program in enriching participant engagement, cultivating the global Space Apps community, fostering a more vibrant, productive innovation ecosystem, and finding sustainable ways for community members to seek personal and professional development before, during, and after the hackathon.
“Some of the greatest and most innovative minds exist in our very own communities and schools. Space Apps provides an opportunity for these individuals and citizen scientists to engage directly with open-source data from NASA and its space agency partners, and has led to the formation of new ideas that leave a lasting impact,” said Keith.
Space Apps is Making Space
Keith’s work further aligns with the Space Apps Program’s dedication to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) through his efforts to open transparency and opportunity across NASA-funded activities and through his work on several DEIA working groups across NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
Keith added, “At Space Apps there’s always space for one more. We live this value by incorporating challenges that are appealing to a variety of interests and skill sets. NASA encourages anyone with an interest in working with open data, solving some of the most intriguing challenges on Earth and space, or just meeting other like-minded individuals to participate in the International Space Apps Challenge.”
Join Keith and the Space Apps community in hacking solutions to challenges created by NASA personnel this Oct. 1-2. Check out spaceappschallenge.org to register for an in-person or a virtual event!