Biography:
Christina Chrissy Richey is an American planetary scientist and astrophysicist known for her significant contributions to the field. Richey currently works at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in La Cañada Flintridge, California, where she serves as a project staff scientist for the Europa Clipper mission and a research technologist in the Astrophysics and Space Sciences Section.
Prior to joining JPL, Richey worked as a contractor for the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. She held several important positions, including serving as a program officer in NASA’s Planetary Science Division, the deputy program scientist for the OSIRIS-REx mission, and the deputy science advisor for research and analysis for the Science Mission Directorate.
Richey has made substantial contributions to the field of planetary and astronomical sciences, particularly in the area of workplace harassment. Her work has focused on raising awareness about the effects of harassment and promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment within the scientific community. Richey’s dedication to this cause is evident in her roles as the chair of the American Astronomical Society’s Committee on the Status of Women in Astronomy from 2015 to 2017, co-chair of the Division for Planetary Sciences’ Subcommittee on Professional Climate and Culture from 2015 to 2017, and active blogger for the Women in Astronomy blog.
Early Life and Education:
Christina Richey’s academic journey began at Wheeling Jesuit University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in physics in 2004. She then pursued higher education and completed both her master’s (2007) and PhD (2011) in physics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. During her time at the university, Richey conducted laboratory investigations related to the icy moons of the outer solar system and the interstellar medium, contributing to our understanding of these fascinating celestial bodies.
Career and Research:
Currently, Richey plays a crucial role in the Europa Clipper mission at JPL. This mission aims to conduct a detailed reconnaissance of Jupiter’s moon Europa to investigate whether it could harbor conditions suitable for life. Her expertise and contributions as a project staff scientist are instrumental to the success of this ambitious endeavor.
Previously, Richey served as the deputy science advisor for the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD). In this role, she compiled and distributed important information about the Research and Analysis (R&A) awards from the SMD Divisions and focused on communication with the wider scientific community working directly with the SMD.
Richey also held the position of deputy program scientist in the Planetary Science Division for the OSIRIS-REx Mission. Launched in 2016, OSIRIS-REx is tasked with traveling to the near-Earth asteroid Bennu and bringing back a sample for detailed study on Earth. This mission will contribute to our understanding of planet formation, the origins of life, and improve our ability to potentially mitigate asteroid impacts.
Throughout her career, Richey has been dedicated to promoting inclusivity within the scientific community. She has actively participated in conferences and speaking engagements focusing on the issues of harassment and actively worked towards overcoming the challenges faced in the field. Her efforts have been instrumental in educating peers about the impact of harassment and fostering a more supportive environment.
Awards:
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