Born: 1985 (Southern New Jersey)
EXCERPT: Moogega Cooper (born 1985) is an American astronomer, physicist, and engineer. She is best known for her work in planetary protection and her involvement in the Mars 2020 Mission and the InSight Mission. Dr. Cooper also takes part in programs and speaking engagements to encourage young women and others from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in science and technology.
Moogega Cooper (born 1985) is an American astronomer, physicist, and engineer. She is best known for her work in planetary protection and her involvement in the Mars 2020 Mission and the InSight Mission. Dr. Cooper also takes part in programs and speaking engagements to encourage young women and others from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in science and technology.
Cooper was born in 1985 in Southern New Jersey to a Korean mother and African-American father who was a World War II veteran. She developed an early interest in science and attended Hampton University, where she received a B.A. in Physics in 2006. She then went on to pursue further studies in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in thermal fluid sciences at Drexel University College of Engineering. In 2011, Cooper obtained her Masters and Ph.D. degrees from Drexel, with her dissertation focusing on non-equilibrium plasma sterilization of spacecraft materials.
Following her academic achievements, Cooper joined the Planetary Protection Group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in 2011. In her role as the Lead of Planetary Protection for the Mars 2020 Mission, she is responsible for ensuring that the mission’s spacecraft and instruments do not contaminate Mars with Earth life, and also for protecting Earth from potential life forms that may be brought back from Mars.
Cooper is also a member of the planetary protection team for the InSight Mission, which aims to study the deep interior of Mars. Planetary protection is a crucial aspect of space exploration, as it aims to prevent the contamination of other solar system bodies with Earth life and to protect Earth from potentially harmful microorganisms.
In addition to her work in planetary protection, Cooper has made several appearances on television shows related to science and astronomy. In 2013, she participated in the first season of King of the Nerds, a reality competition show that aired on TBS, and finished in 5th place. She also appeared as a panelist in The Original Martian Invasion, a 2017 episode of the television series Bill Nye Saves the World, and made regular appearances in the popular documentary series How the Universe Works from 2015 to 2020.
Throughout her career, Cooper has made significant contributions to the field of space exploration and has been recognized for her achievements. In 2018, she received the NASA Early Career Public Achievement Medal for her outstanding contributions to the field. This award highlights her dedication and impact as a young scientist and serves as a testament to her commitment to advancing the field of planetary protection.
Moogega Cooper’s work in planetary protection, her dedication to encouraging underrepresented groups in STEM fields, and her contributions to the Mars 2020 Mission and the InSight Mission make her an influential figure in the field of space exploration. Her achievements inspire future generations of scientists and highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM disciplines. Cooper’s role in the advancement of women’s history in science further underscores her impact on society and her commitment to breaking barriers in the field.
Awards:
– NASA Early Career Public Achievement Medal (2018)