Julie A. Robinson

Julie Ann Robinson is the Deputy Director for Earth Sciences at NASA and was previously Chief Scientist for Human Exploration and Operations, and earlier Chief Scientist for the International Space Station Program for over twelve years. Her background is in both the physical and biological sciences.

Early life and education In 1985, Julie A. Robinson graduated from Highland High school in Pocatello, Idaho, and was selected as one of two Idaho representatives to the Presidential Scholars Program and as an Idaho delegate to the National Youth Science Camp. She did not think that she was going to be able to attend college due to financial difficulties, until she received word from Utah State that they had awarded her their Presidential Scholarship that covered full tuition for four years. Julie A. Robinson graduated from Utah State University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She later went on to study at the University of Nevada, Reno where she was supported by an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. She obtained a doctoral degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology in 1996, and was named Regent's Outstanding Graduate Student.

Career She went on to do postdoctoral research in Texas at the University of Houston. At the University of Houston she created maps indicating how different species responded to hurricanes.

In 2004, she started working at NASA as a science representative for the International Space Station. In 2006 she became a deputy program scientist, and served as ISS chief scientist from 2007-2019.

She received the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal in 2011. She also received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Utah State University in 2021.

Personal life Her hobbies include drawing, painting, singing jazz, and classical music.