Four Exceptional NASA Ames Science Stars of May 2026

Every month, NASA's Ames Science Directorate honors a select group of individuals whose dedication and ingenuity propel the agency's mission forward. These Science Stars embody the entrepreneurial spirit, technical expertise, and collaborative drive required to explore our world and beyond. In May 2026, four standout contributors were recognized for their remarkable achievements across space science, space biosciences, and Earth science. From expanding databases that fuel interstellar missions to streamlining critical budget processes, each star exemplifies excellence. In this article, we highlight their contributions and the impact they have on NASA's ongoing efforts. Lora Jovanavić is revolutionizing how we interpret space data, while Tammy Moore and Frances Donovan are reinforcing the foundations of space biosciences. Meanwhile, Jaden Ta is shaping the future of Earth science research. Read on to discover what makes these four professionals true stars.

1. Lora Jovanavić: Expanding Our Cosmic Vision

Lora Jovanavić, a research scientist in the Astrophysics Branch with the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute, has made a monumental contribution to space science. She spearheaded a dramatic expansion of the Optical Constants Database, increasing the number of experimental optical constant datasets from 297 to 533—nearly doubling its size. These optical constants are vital input parameters for models that interpret data from missions like SPHEREx, Cassini, New Horizons, and Juno. Without accurate constants, scientists cannot fully decipher the composition of distant planets, moons, and asteroids. Lora's tireless work ensures that researchers worldwide have more robust tools to unlock the secrets of the cosmos. Her dedication exemplifies the entrepreneurial, boundary-pushing spirit that defines NASA's science community.

2. Tammy Moore: Steady Hand in Space Biosciences

Tammy Moore, the Space Biosciences Division's Resource Analyst, has been recognized for her outstanding leadership during a period of major changes in budget guidelines and processes. Tammy served as a steady source of support for the entire division, leveraging her expert knowledge and exceptional determination to assist scientists and engineers. Her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes while maintaining a collaborative, solution-oriented attitude has been invaluable. By ensuring that budgetary transitions proceed smoothly, Tammy allows researchers to focus on cutting-edge biological experiments in space. Her resourcefulness and resilience embody the collaborative disposition necessary for missions that push the boundaries of human knowledge.

3. Frances Donovan: Innovating Mission Support

Frances Donovan wears two hats—scientist and project manager—in the Space Biosciences Division. She is recognized for her boundless dedication, resourcefulness, and persistence in serving as the Science Directorate's Contracting Officer's Representative for the FILMSS-2 (Fully Integrated Lifecycle Mission Support Services) task. Frances not only educated and supported task requestors but also invented new approaches that significantly simplified task management. Her innovative methods have streamlined processes that were once cumbersome, saving time and resources. Frances's work underscores how a relentless commitment to improvement can transform operational efficiency, enabling the division to focus more on groundbreaking space biosciences research.

4. Jaden Ta: Charting Earth's Future from the Sky

Jaden Ta, deputy project manager in the Earth Science Project Office, has been honored for her valuable contributions to the Earth Venture Suborbital FarmFlux investigation. She demonstrated exceptional leadership in developing the project's Investigation Implementation Plan, a critical document that guides the entire mission. Moreover, Jaden played a strategic role in determining deployment locations for research aircraft, ensuring that data collection would be both efficient and scientifically impactful. Her work is advancing our understanding of agricultural emissions and carbon cycles, vital for climate modeling. Jaden's analytical precision and proactive management embody the entrepreneurial spirit needed to tackle pressing Earth science questions.

These four May 2026 Science Stars—Lora, Tammy, Frances, and Jaden—showcase the incredible breadth of talent at NASA Ames. Their achievements remind us that behind every groundbreaking mission are dedicated people who turn challenges into opportunities. As NASA continues to explore this world and beyond, such stars will light the way.