Waleed Abdalati named NASA’s Chief Scientist

Earlier this week, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced Waleed Abdalati, as NASA’s chief scientist. Dr. Abdalati, 46, currently a professor of geography as well as a Director of the Earth Science and Observation Center at the University of Colorado, will start his two-year term in January.

Previously, Abdalati worked at NASA for ten years receiving many accolades from the organization including: NASA Exceptional Service Medal (2004), the NASA Agency Group Honor Award (2003) plus many more.

Abdalati will serve as Charles Bolden’s, NASA Administrator, chief adviser on the agency’s science programs, planning and science investments. He will also work with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Office of Management and Budget. “We are excited to have Waleed return to the agency during such a critical transition period,” Bolden said. “His experience, wide range of scientific knowledge and familiarity with NASA will greatly benefit the agency. He will be a true advocate for our many and diverse science research and exploration programs.”

NASA has been criticized, in the past, when Bolden stated in an interview that one of NASA’s objectives was to “find a way to reach out to the Muslim world and engage much more with predominantly Muslim nations to help them feel good about their historic contribution to science, math and engineering.” Though, there is no confirmation that Abdalati is a Muslim, his name does suggest he is an Arab Muslim. Leading some to believe that NASA’s agenda has more than just science as a priority but also diplomacy.