The NASA Ames Science Directorate recognizes the outstanding contributions of Danielle Lopez, Jennifer Claudio, and Duncan Mifsud (pictured left to right). Their dedication to the NASA mission reflects the entrepreneurial spirit, technical expertise, and collaborative teamwork essential to advancing space science and exploration.
Danielle Lopez serves as deputy project manager for the Open Science Data Repository with Amentum in the Space Biosciences Division. She is recognized for her exceptional leadership and project management, which have been critical to advancing Open Science at NASA. Danielle has supported collaborations across NASA Ames directorates, NASA centers, and the public. During challenging and rapidly changing periods, she has provided steady leadership, keeping multiple projects on schedule and at the forefront of NASA’s Open Science efforts.
Jennifer Claudio is a research staff member with Blue Marble Space in the Space Biosciences Division. She is recognized for her outstanding contributions to the 2026 GeneLab for High School (GL4HS) summer program. Jennifer demonstrated efficiency, initiative, and strong problem-solving skills while supporting program operations. When the GL4HS learning platform experienced a security breach, she responded quickly and successfully, demonstrating the resourcefulness and commitment needed to support NASA’s STEM education programs.
Duncan Mifsud is a postdoctoral research scientist with the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute (BAERI) in the Astrophysics Division. He is recognized for his exceptional infrared analysis of laboratory samples created through the ultraviolet irradiation of soluble organic molecules, as well as extraterrestrial samples returned from asteroid Bennu by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission. His research contributes to a deeper understanding of the materials found in space and the origins of organic molecules in the solar system.
Source: www.nasa.gov