Dean Eppler, Ph.D. – NESC Academy Biography

Dean Eppler earned a bachelor of science in geology from St. Lawrence University in 1974, a master of science in geology from the University of New Mexico in 1976, and a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in geology from Arizona State University in 1984. From 1986 to 2009, he was a Senior Scientist with Science Applications International Corporation, which included 20 years of support to NASA at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). During that time, he was a Lead Suit Test Subject for advanced planetary spacesuit development and geologic field testing from 1996 to 2005; the International Space Station (ISS) Payloads Office Program Lead on development of a high‐quality research window on the ISS from 1994 to 2005; the Program Originator and Lead Scientist on the ISS Window Observational Research Facility (WORF) from 1998 to 2003; and the Lead for Science Operations and Logistics Concept Development for Advanced Planetary Exploration Programs, including 2 years in the lunar surface systems for Constellation. In 2009, he transitioned to NASA and works in the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Directorate, doing science operations development for lunar missions, including working up science operations concepts for Desert Research and Technology Studies (RATS) and developing and implementing the geologic training curriculum for the 2009 Astronaut Class. During his career, Dean has published more than 30 scientific publications and has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Antarctic Service Medal, and the NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal.