Sciences and Exploration Directorate

Sheri A Loftin

(SR. DATA TECHNICIAN)

Sheri A Loftin's Contact Card & Information.
Email: sheri.a.loftin@nasa.gov
Phone: 301.614.6873
Org Code: 690.1
Address:
NASA/GSFC
Mail Code 695
Greenbelt, MD 20771
Employer: ADNET SYSTEMS INC

Brief Bio


Sheri Loftin is a Data Scientist and the Training and Outreach Coordinator for the Planetary Data System at NASA GSFC. 

Research Interests


Data Science

Solar System: Theory & Modeling

I have experience in using machine learning algorithms to model Planetary Magnetic fields, Emission Spectroscopy, and Radiometer modeling and calibration.

I am interested in projects that want to include machine learning as a method in their research.

 

Positions/Employment


Data Scientist

Adnet Systems, Inc. - Goddard Space Flight Center

October 2021 - Present

I provide machine learning algorithms for the WISHES Radiometer calibration project. Regression methods used so far: Linear Regression, Long-Short Term Memory, Convolutional Neural Network, and Random Forest.


Education and Training Coordinator

ADNET Systems, Inc. - Greenbelt, MD

September 2018 - Present

Prepare training documentation to ensure visitors to the Planetary Data System (PDS) website are able to fully utilize the tools, data, and archiving capabilities of the website.
 Create detailed training for various aspects of using the PDS
 Create central website for access to the training
 Coordinate and support PDS booth at various conferences
 Provide reports on survey results and booth usefulness to PDS management council
 


Senior Data Technician

ADNET Systems, Inc. - Greenbelt, MD

January 2016 - September 2018

Ensure the proper operation of data instruments through coding, monitoring, and support. Analyze parameter patterns within instruction code to improve performance. Provide wide-ranging IT support for computers used within the operations group.
 Supported NASA GSFC for the Juno, MAVEN and Cassini missions.
 Wrote instructions code for two instruments on the Juno spacecraft.
 Assisted with the creation of the target notebooks for the Cassini mission.

 


Education Specialist

National Optical Astronomy Observatory - Tucson, AZ

September 2012 - September 2015

Designed and implemented public education programs at Kitt Peak Observatory and wrote articles for the quarterly newsletter.
 Kept computers (software/hardware) and telescopes in good working condition.
 Managed attendance and financial data for public programs.
 


Research/Pharmacokinetics Technician

University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ

September 2009 - January 2012

Assisted with cancer trials on chronically ill patients at the Arizona Cancer Center. Maintained patient database and ensured that nurses received all relevant patient information.
 Performed phlebotomy, laboratory tests, and sample shipping.
 Reviewed and prepared instructions for upcoming studies.
 

Education


M.S., Data Science, Southern Methodist University (December 2019)

B.S., Mathematics, University of Houston (December 2001)

A.A.S., Laboratory Science, Intellitec Medical Inst. (April 2006)

Teaching Experience


2012 – 2015

  • While at National Optical Astronomy Observatory, designed and implemented public education programs at Kitt Peak Observatory and wrote articles for the quarterly newsletter.

2007 – 2008:

  • While at Penrose Hospital, instructed classes for nurses in Point of Care instrument use.

2006 – 2007:

  • While at Intellitec Medical Institute, instructed classes in Biology, Blood Banking, Parasitology, Urinalysis, and Laboratory Mathematics.

Publications


Refereed

2019. "Machine Learning vs Conventional Analysis Techniques for the Earth’s Magnetic Field Study." SMU Data Science Review 2 (1): [Journal Article/Letter]

Selected Public Outreach


International Observe the Moon Night

November 2019 - November 2019


Science Jamboree

July 2019 - July 2019


Awesome Con

June 2019 - June 2019


Earth Day

May 2019 - May 2019


Planet Walk

May 2019 - May 2019


Science Jamboree

July 2018 - July 2018


Science Jamboree

July 2017 - July 2017


Awesome Con

June 2016 - June 2016