Elaine P. Ho Takes Charge of NASA’s STEM Engagement Amidst a Stellar Career

NASA's dedication to nurturing future generations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has reached a new height as Elaine P. Ho steps in as the Associate Administrator of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced Ho's appointment, which takes effect immediately, heralding a new era for educational initiatives under the agency's umbrella.

Elaine Ho will replace Mike Kincaid, who retired in November after a commendable 37-year tenure at NASA. While stepping into her new role, Ho will also temporarily maintain her position as the Associate Administrator for NASA's Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, highlighting her versatile leadership capabilities until a successor is found.

Ho's trajectory through various significant roles prepares her well for this dual-capacity leadership. She previously served as NASA’s deputy associate administrator for OSTEM and played a pivotal role in strategizing and managing a broad array of projects aimed at benefiting students and educational institutions nationwide.

Her commitment to leveraging diversity to propel organizational success was evident during her tenure in NASA’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity. Here, she was instrumental in cultivating an inclusive agency culture that appreciates diverse backgrounds, contributing significantly to innovation in space missions.

Part of Ho’s rich background includes her service in the U.S. Air Force as a criminal prosecutor and her current role as a colonel in the Air Force Reserves, revealing her disciplined approach and leadership. Moreover, her academic credentials, boasting a civil engineering degree from Duke University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida, complement her robust experience in public service roles—ranging from senior policy advisor in the White House’s Let Girls Learn initiative to chief of staff in the U.S. Digital Service.

As Ho takes the helm at NASA OSTEM, her multifaceted expertise is set to further NASA's mission to empower and inspire the Artemis Generation. Under her leadership, the agency aims to enhance its outreach and enrich educational resources which will inspire future pioneers in space technology and exploration. Kris Brown, who has been acting as the associate administrator for OSTEM, will return to her earlier role, lending stability and continuity to the team.

NASA's commitment, under Elaine Ho’s leadership, is clear: to utilize the power of education to build a capable future workforce poised to tackle upcoming challenges in space exploration and beyond. As the world watches, the steps Ho takes could very well shape the educational paths for future scientists, engineers, and astronauts, making space dreams a reachable frontier for aspiring young minds around the globe.