Kathleen Loftin, PhD

Have you ever wondered how chemistry is part of solving NASA’s technology needs for its missions? This talk will focus on 1) chemistry applications in support of NASA’s goals and 2) pathways to opportunities for chemists (either as students or professionals) to work with NASA. From basic research, instrumentation design, and project management, chemists are active at NASA in a variety of cross-cutting roles. Practical information about funding opportunities for research as well as other career opportunities for chemists at NASA and within the Aerospace community will be shared. Additionally, you will hear information about NASA’s scholarships, fellowships, and internships. Finally, lessons learned, and career advice will be shared a from the perspective of a local UCF-educated chemist.

Bio

Dr. Loftin currently serves as the KSC University liaison where she works to establish collaborations with universities and KSC. Prior to this position, she was a Program Manager for NASA’s academic research program focused on stimulating research in underrepresented states and jurisdiction (EPSCoR) and the Space Grant program. From 2018-2023, she was the Center Chief Technologist at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) where she managed all the Research and Technology projects at KSC ensuring that the Center has a robust Research and Technology Portfolio that addresses the challenges of NASA’s mission. Prior to becoming the Deputy Center Chief Technologist, Dr. Loftin was a Subject Matter Expert with her research focusing on environmental remediation, spaceflight contamination identification, and mass spectrometry and instrumentation design. Dr. Loftin has received NASA’s Invention of the Year and Commercial Invention of the Year Award and was inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame. She is also a co-inventor on the EZVI patent which is the most licensed technology from NASA. Dr. Loftin has a Bachelors’ in Chemistry, a Master of Science in Industrial Chemistry and Ph.D. in Chemistry specializing in Materials Chemistry, all from the University of Central Florida.