NASA Appoints New Head for Biological and Physical Sciences Division

Last week, NASA appointed Lisa Carnell as director of the Science Mission Directorate’s Biological and Physical Science Division, which supports experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station and other platforms. The division’s work has recently focused on two priorities: quantum science and biological investigations related to living in deep space.

Carnell has served since 2018 as the division’s program scientist for translational research, leading partnerships with other federal agencies and commercial engagement initiatives.

She previously led the Space Radiation Medical Countermeasure program within NASA’s Human Research Program. Carnell joined NASA as a materials research engineer in 2009 after receiving a doctorate in engineering from Duke University.

BPS Deputy Director Diane Malarik has been leading the division on an acting basis since the previous director, Craig Kundrot, retired early this year.