Who We Are

Collaboration underpins our work at every stage of design and execution because those closest to their communities know best what is needed and are the key partners to develop sustained impact.

Alyssa Whitcraft

Executive Director

Mike Humber

Deputy Director

Kaiyu Guan

Chieft Scientist

Nima Pahlevan

Earth Action Agriculture Program Interim Manager

NASA Acres Operations Team

Jacob Orser

Program Support Specialist

Allison Bredder

Strategic Engagement Officer

Cordelia Heirs Brady

NASA Earth Action Agriculture Program Coordinator

NASA Acres has established a flexible partnership structure that facilitates strategic partners with organizations and stakeholders throughout the agricultural system. The categories of partners are described below, please reach out through the Contact Us page if you are interested in becoming a partner with NASA Acres.

Types of Partners

Research, Development, and Extension (RD&E) Partners

The organizations and individuals who receive funding or substantial in-kind support from NASA Acres to carry out defined projects with defined outputs and outcomes. They are the “doers” who turn data and information into knowledge and impact.
Collaborating Partners

The organizations, projects, programs, or individuals with whom NASA Acres collaborates toward common mission and meeting an established need. This is accomplished through in-kind sharing of data, imagery, time, knowledge, networks, or other non-cash or non-material goods or services.
Because NASA Acres employs a co-production approach, the concept of a passive user does not apply. Those traditionally thought of as “users” of EO information are, in the NASA Acres world, considered key Collaborating Partners.
Sustaining Partners

The public or private organizations, programs, or individuals that contribute funding or substantial non-cash resources that support the core work of NASA Acres’ activities and operations.
Substantial, long-term sustaining partners are offered a seat on the NASA Acres Sustaining Partner Advisory Committee, which provides input and strategic guidance to NASA Acres.
Network Partners

The organizations, projects, programs, or individuals that do not have defined projects with NASA Acres, but are nevertheless affiliated with NASA Acres and/or its partners. This category also captures allied organizations, projects, programs, or individuals whose scope and objectives overlap with those of NASA Acres, and who seek opportunities to become Sustaining, Collaborating, or RD&E Partners.