Event Date:
Wednesday, September 11
6:00pm - 8:00pm (CST)
Anderson Biological Laboratories Room 131
Reception: 6:00-7:00 PM
Link to Lecture:
Speaker:
Dr. Judith Hayes is the Chief Science Officer for the NASA Human Health and Performance Directorate (HHP) at the Johnson Space Center. In this role, she is responsible for HHP science, policy, strategy, and partnerships. Judy has held various positions of responsibility and leadership in NASA, where she focuses on understanding and mitigating risks that space flight poses to human systems. She has dedicated her career as a scientist, manager, and leader to developing interventions and countermeasures that protect astronaut health while optimizing their performance during space exploration. As the Principal Investigator, Judy performed space flight experiments to study the effects of microgravity on the skeletal muscle performance of astronauts. Most recently, as NASA Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division Chief, she had oversight over 19 laboratories while leading interdisciplinary biomedical teams responsible for research, operations, and project management aspects supporting various NASA programs related to human space exploration: Space Shuttle, Russian Mir-Shuttle, International Space Station, Artemis, Commercial Crew, and Mars Campaign. In addition, Judy established NASA partnerships with industry, academia, international space partners, military, and other government agencies.
As a leader in space life sciences education, Judy founded the NASA Space Life Sciences Summer Institute, where she has hosted 1200+ university students and visiting scholars focused on multidisciplinary challenges related to human space exploration. Furthermore, she was the 2023 Department Chair of Human Performance in Space for the International Space University Summer Space Program in Brazil.
Judy received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from West Virginia University, followed by a Master of Public Health from The University of Texas Health Sciences Center. Judy also completed an international health care pre-doctoral appointment at The Royal College of Surgeons of England. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies at Our Lady of the Lake University.
Judy has published in academic journals and book chapters related to human space exploration. She has been recognized with various honors, including a Silver Snoopy awarded by the NASA astronauts and induction into the West Virginia University Academy of Distinguished Alumni. She holds memberships with the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and Sigma Xi. Furthermore, she is a Fellow in the Aerospace Medical Association (ASMA). Finally, Judy volunteers with AstraFemina, a non-profit organization for inspiring girls toward STEM education.