Dr. Patrick Michael is a Computer Scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and currently associated with the Crustal Dynamics Data Information System (CDDIS), and the Space Geodesy Project (SGP). As the Manager of the Crustal Dynamics Data Information System (CDDIS) - NASA's repository of space geodesy and space geodynamical data - he oversees a staff and system that is internationally recognized as the premier archive of space geodesy data, particularly, GNSS, laser ranging, VLBI, and DORIS data sets that currently serves over 700,000+ individual science users and provides over two billion downloads of data annually. He has participated over the years in the study of planetary atmospheres, analog studies of cosmic dust and proto-planetary systems and currently is focused on large scale science data archiving and data discovery. He has over 30 years of experience with NASA, US Department of Defense (DoD) and academia in the development of science data systems, high performance computing, database design, program management and information technology (IT) security. He holds memberships on several International Association of Geodesy (IAG) services and has a passion for promoting interdisciplinary research to the global Earth Science community using space geodetic data and products through integration with NASA’s Earth Observing System Data Information System (EOSDIS) and other international data systems.
Benjamin Patrick Michael
(AST, DATA ANALYSIS)
benjamin.p.michael.1@gsfc.nasa.gov
Org Code: 61A
NASA/GSFCMail Code: 61A
Greenbelt, MD 20771
Employer: NASA
Brief Bio
Current Projects
Crustal Dynamics Data Information System (CDDIS)
Geophysics
Manager, Crustal Dynamics Data Information System (CDDIS). NASA’s archive of space geodesy data, specifically, GNSS, laser ranging, VLBI, and DORIS data sets, supporting the International GNSS Service (IGS), International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS), International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS), International DORIS Service (IDS), and the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS). http://cddis.nasa.gov
Space Geodesy Project (SGP)
Geophysics
Systems Engineering: Joint GSFC/JPL Space Geodesy Project proposal to fund completion of the next generation space geodesy prototype systems and develop plan for project implementation. Lead on IT network design and security.
International GNSS Service (IGS) Governing Board
Geophysics
Currently a member of the IGS governing board having been elected to a four year term in Dec 2020 representing the 7 global data centers of the IGS. Tasks include coordination of activities across the global data centers, review of quality control measures actions affecting the data centers.
International DORIS Service (IDS)
Geophysics
Currently a member of the IDS governing board having been reelected to a three year term in Jan 2021 representing the three global data centers of the IDS. Tasks include coordination of activities across the global data centers, review of quality control measures actions affecting the data centers.
Positions/Employment
Manager - Crustal Dynamics Data Information Systems (CDDIS)
NASA - Goddard Space Flight Center
March 2020 - Present
Deputy Manager - Crustal Dynamics Data Information System (CDDIS)
NASA - Goddard Space Flight Center
December 2013 - February 2020
Chief Operations and Integration
NATO - Training Mission Afghanistan - Kabul, Afghanistan
October 2012 - November 2013
Senior Researcher
Catholic University of America - Washington, DC
February 2001 - November 2013
Resident Research Associate
National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council - Washington, DC
February 1998 - 2000
Visiting Scientist
NASA - Goddard Space Flight Center
September 1997 - 1997
Adjunct Professor - Physics
Shepherd University - Shepherdstown, WV
September 1995 - June 1997
Education
1998 - Ph.D. (Chemical Engineering) - University of Virginia
1994 - M.S. (Chemical Engineering) - University of Virginia
1991 - B.S. (Chemistry, Physics) - Shepherd Univeristy
1991 - A.S. (Engineering Technology) - Shepherd University
Professional Societies
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Member
1998 - Present
International Association of Geodesy (IAG)
Fellow
2012 - Present
International GNSS Service (IGS)
Governing Board Member
2012 - Present
American Society of Naval Engineers
Member
1999 - Present
International DORIS Service (IDS)
Governing Board Member
2012 - Present
International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS)
Fellow
2013 - Present
Awards
2016 - NASA Peer Award
2015,2016 - NASA Performance Award
2013 - Defense Meritorious Service Medal
2013 - Bronze Order of the De Fleury Medal
2012 - Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal
2011 - Admiral Stephen S. Israel Leadership Award
2011 - Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal
2011 - Joint Achievement Medal
2005 - NASA Peer Award
1995,1996,1997 - NASA Graduate Student Exceptional Performance