June 2019

Dr. Cafer T. Yavuz received his B.S. degree in Chemistry (2001) from the Middle East Technical University, finishing the advanced curriculum in only 3 years and ranking 1st, recording a first in the Chemistry department's then 40 year old history. When he was in high school, he attended the 29th and 30th International Chemistry Olympiads representing Turkey twice, netting a silver and a bronze medal in Canada and Australia, respectively. He was admitted to Rice University in 2001 with Welch scholarship and received his Master's and Ph.D. under the supervision of Dr. Vicki L. Colvin. His...Read more

Niki (Mary) Werkheiser serves as the Lead for the Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative (LSII) in NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD).  The objective of LSII is to spur the creation of novel technologies needed for lunar surface exploration and accelerate the technology readiness of key systems and components.  The LSII activities are implemented through a combination of unique NASA in-house activities, competitive programs, and public-private partnerships. Examples of target areas for LSII technology development and demonstrations include In-situ Resource...Read more