Overview

Gender

female

Dr. Gale Allen is Acting Chief Scientist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) where she advises the NASA Administrator in matters of scientific research and provides oversight in the areas of life and microgravity science. In addition, she represents NASA science to national and international communities and is a science advocate to NASA stakeholders. Dr. Allen began her NASA career at the Kennedy Space Center as Chief of the Materials and Chemistry Branch where she led the effort in developing ozone depleting alternatives for precision cleaning of flight and ground hardware. At NASA HQ, Dr. Allen managed the Bioastronautics (human research and life support) Research Program, served as deputy for the Human Systems Research and Technology Program, and Director, Strategic Integration and Management for Exploration Systems before moving to her current position. She was also a member of the science team for the development of the Radiation Assessment Detector on the Mars Curiosity rover.

She received a NASA Space Act Award for her research in ozone depleting alternatives and has received two NASA Exceptional Service Medals, and two Exceptional Performance Awards and the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal. In addition to these honors, she serves on the Board of Directors for the American Astronautical Society, the Board of Trustees at Brenau University, and is the President of the Zonta Club of Fairfax County, an international organization focusing on empowering women through service and advocacy.

Gale earned a B. S. in Chemistry, and M. S. in Chemistry from Old Dominion University, an MBA in Management from Brenau University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration with an emphasis in high technology partnership development from Nova Southeastern University.