NASA’s chief technologist – overseeing $1B+ in investments
John Dankanich received bachelor's and master's degrees in aeronautics and astronautics in 2001 and 2003, respectively. His 20-year career at NASA has spanned various roles, including design, build, test, system analysis, technology maturation, and project management. Currently, Dankanich serves as chief technologist for NASA's Marshall Space Center, leading a workforce of more than 6,000 civil servants and overseeing a portfolio of investments exceeding $1 billion. These investments encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from basic research to flight system delivery. Within NASA, Dankanich is esteemed as a subject matter expert in technology development, propulsion testing and qualification, low-thrust trajectory optimization, mission design, and planetary defense. Purdue recognized him with an Outstanding Aerospace Engineer Award in 2022.