Dr. Kelsey Young is a NASA Research Space Scientist working on the integration of science into human spaceflight. Young’s science background is based in conducting field research in volcanic and impact cratered analog field sites to investigate how both of these processes shape planetary surfaces. Additionally, Young evaluates how best to integrate field portable instrumentation into crewed planetary surface exploration, and led the use of handheld x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (hXRF) in field geology. She is one of the NASA core team members on Geology Training Team for NASA Astronauts, Engineers, and Managers. Young is the co-lead of the Goddard Instrument Field Team (GIFT), the Principle Investigator (PI) of the TubeX and SHyRE (Scientific Hybrid Reality Environments) PSTAR projects, the Field Lead for the RISE2 (Remote, In Situ and Synchrotron Studies for Science and Exploration) SSERVI team, the Lava Tubes/Void Spaces Theme Lead for the GEODES (Geophysical Exploration Of the Dynamics and Exploration of the Solar System) SSERVI team, and is the Science Lead for the NASA NEEMO project. She is also the Human Exploration Chair on the LEAG (Lunar Exploration Analysis Group) Executive Committee. Young received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame (2009) and her M.S. (2012) and Ph.D. (2014) from Arizona State University.
