Woodrow Whitlow Jr. facts for kids
Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr. is an American space scientist who helps lead NASA, the United States' space agency. He is currently the associate administrator for Mission Support. This means he helps make sure NASA's space missions and projects run smoothly.
He was chosen for this important job by NASA administrator Charles Bolden in 2010. Before this, Dr. Whitlow was the director of the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Dr. Whitlow's Early Life and Education
Woodrow Whitlow Jr. loved learning about space and flight from a young age. He went to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This is a very famous science and technology school.
He earned three degrees from MIT. These degrees were in Aeronautics and Astronautics. This field is all about designing, building, and flying aircraft and spacecraft. He finished his highest degree, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), in 1979.
Starting His Career in Space Science
After finishing his studies, Dr. Whitlow began working at NASA. His first job was as a research scientist. He worked at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.
Later, he moved to other important roles within NASA. He worked at the NASA Lewis Research Center and the NASA Kennedy Space Center. The Kennedy Space Center is where many rockets launch into space!
Leading NASA Centers
Dr. Whitlow became the deputy director at the Kennedy Space Center. This meant he was second-in-command. He then returned to the NASA Glenn Research Center. This time, he became its director. As director, he was in charge of all the important research happening there.
His Role at NASA Headquarters
In 2010, Dr. Whitlow was given an even bigger role. He became the associate administrator for Mission Support at NASA Headquarters. In this job, he helps manage many different parts of NASA. This includes making sure NASA has the right people, technology, and resources. His work helps all of NASA's exciting space missions succeed.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Whitlow has received many awards for his amazing work. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics honored him twice. They named him an associate fellow in 1993. Later, in 2010, they made him a full fellow. This shows how much his peers respect his contributions to aerospace.
He has also received several special awards from NASA. These include the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. This medal is given for outstanding service to the agency. He also received the NASA Equal Opportunity Honor Medal. Other awards include the U.S. Black Engineer of the Year in Government. He also won the William Sweet Smith Prize from a British engineering group. These awards show his dedication and leadership in science and engineering.
