Jan Chodas, Director for Planetary Science

Jan Chodas is the Director for Planetary Science. Prior to this role, Jan was the Project Manager for the Europa Clipper mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa, with the goal of exploring Europa’s habitability and looking for the ingredients for life. Previously, Jan was the Director for Engineering and Science, leading the ~4,000 person organization of engineers, scientists and technologists who formulate, develop and operate robotic spacecraft missions that explore our Earth, the solar system and beyond. Before becoming the Director for Engineering and Science, Jan served as the Director for the Office of Safety and Mission Success.

Prior to that position, Jan was the Project Manager for the Juno mission to Jupiter, leading the team through the successful development, launch and early operations of the Juno spacecraft. The Juno mission is now revealing exciting new science at Jupiter.

Jan received her B.A.Sc. degree in Engineering Science — Aerospace Option from the University of Toronto and her M.A.Sc. degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies. She has been recognized by her alma mater with a Doctor of Science, honoris causa degree and induction into the Engineering Alumni Hall of Distinction. Jan was awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for her work on the Galileo mission to Jupiter, the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal for her work on the Cassini mission to Saturn, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal for her contributions to the Mars Exploration Rover Project, and the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal for her leadership of the Juno mission to Jupiter.