Dr. Daniel Baker is the Director of LASP. (Courtesy Patrick Campbell/CU-Boulder)
Dr. Daniel Baker
Director of LASP
Dr. Baker has led LASP since 1994. He joined LASP following seven years at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, where he directed the Laboratory for Extraterrestrial Physics in the Space Sciences Directorate. Dr. Baker is responsible for setting and implementing policy regarding the scientific, technical, and educational mission of LASP.
Baker is also a professor in the CU-Boulder departments of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences and of Physics; he specializes in observational and theoretical studies of the Van Allen radiation belts and related aspects of space weather and space physics. Because LASP is an institute of the university, he reports to the Vice Chancellor for Research and the Dean of the Graduate School.
Dr. Baker is assisted in his duties by a group of senior staff, which form the LASP Business Committee:
Dr. Bruce Jakosky
Associate Director for Science
Dr. Jakosky has led the Science Division at LASP since 2005; he first joined LASP as a research scientist in 1988. Jakosky is responsible for the oversight of the scientific activities of the laboratory and reviews all scientific proposals that leave LASP for technical accuracy. Jakosky is also a professor of geological sciences at CU-Boulder; his research focuses on the Martian atmosphere and astrobiology.
Dr. Tom Woods
Associate Director for Technical Divisions
Dr. Woods joined LASP in 1987. He serves as a bridge between the science disciplines and the Engineering and Mission Operations & Data Systems Divisions, helping to convey the interests and perspective of each group to the other. Woods is also the chair of the Project Development Committee. His research focuses on the solar ultraviolet irradiance and its effects on Earth’s atmosphere and climate.
Caroline Himes
Executive Associate Director and Administration Division manager
Ms. Himes is responsible for operating LASP in support of its scientific and technical goals, providing oversight of human resources, business management, and finances. Himes joined LASP in 1997, after serving as controller with software companies CADIS and VISystems; she also served as controller for John Glen’s Presidential campaign and as a consultant with Arthur Andersen & Co.
Mike McGrath
Director of Engineering
McGrath is responsible for the technical activities of the Engineering Division, performing reviews of hardware and instrumentation projects. He also serves as adjunct faculty with the CU-Boulder College of Engineering and Applied Science. McGrath began his career at LASP as a student in the engineering group. He rejoined LASP in 1991 after working with the National Center for Atmospheric Research High Altitude Observatory.
Bill Possel
Director of Missions Operations & Data Systems (MO&DS)
Possel is responsible for the technical activities of the MO&DS Division including spacecraft and space instrument operations, operational ground software, and data processing and analysis systems. Possel completed a 27 year career in the U.S. Air Force at the rank of Colonel, joining LASP in September, 2006.
