Nick White

Dr. Nicholas E. White serves as Senior Vice President for Science by leading the space science operating sector within USRA and providing oversight of scientific activity across USRA institutes and programs. This sector spans work in astronomy and astrophysics, lunar and planetary science, biomedical and life sciences, Earth science, space technology, and advanced scientific computing.

White came to USRA after a distinguished career at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. of more than 20 years. White led the Sciences and Exploration Directorate, where he was a leader in space and Earth science and a trusted steward of the center's projects and research programs. Throughout the course of his career, White pioneered space-based research both as a scientist and a Senior Executive. White previously held the positions of director of Goddard's Astrophysics Science Division and Chief of the Laboratory for High Energy Astrophysics. White was the founding director of the highly successful High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center. Prior to joining NASA, White worked for the European Space Agency. His research is primarily in the area of X-ray astronomy, studying black holes and neutron stars. His pedigree includes more than 200 publications in refereed journals.

Amongst the many recognitions of his leadership are the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award and the Goddard Space Flight Center Exceptional Achievement Award. White is a Fellow of the American Physical Society. He received a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Leicester and a doctorate in Space Science from University College London.