Diane L. Evans

Diane L. Evans is a geologist and the former Director of Earth Science and Technology Directorate at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Her research areas have included sea-level rise, climate change, and tectonics. In 2019, she was recognized by Congressman Adam Schiff for her contributions in his district. She earned a bachelor's degree in geology from Occidental in 1976. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in geological sciences from the University of Washington in 1981.

Career Evans began work at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the 1980s, conducting research on Earth's geology using including in the Radar Sciences Group, including the SIR-C radar project, which was used to explore dry river beds and dangerous volcanoes. In addition to its primary geological mission, SIR-C supported archaeological imaging from space, including the discovery of long-buried portions of the Great Wall of China. She later served as deputy manager of the Science and Information Systems Office. Evans is the first woman to lead the directorate. As director, she is responsible for the development and implementation of JPL's Earth Sciences program.

Selected publications