OCS Seminars
LCDR Dr. Leedjia Svec: Sailing the NASA Skies: Military Programs at NASA Ames
Named after US Navy Admiral William A. Moffett, Moffett Field has a rich military background. He brought aviation to the United States Navy beginning the paradigm that combines aeronautics and maritime operations. Both domains can benefit from working together to understand how to operate in challenging environments. NASA and the Navy have a long history of collaborating on areas that are synergistic in nature, including psychophysiological research that can apply to both entities. US Navy Lieutenant Commander Leedjia Svec shared insights about the ongoing relationship between NASA and the Navy at Moffett Field.
Abstract:
Space and the sea bring unique and parallel challenges and opportunities for exploration and utilization. NASA and the Navy work together, engaging in collaborative projects for mutually beneficial outcomes. A guiding force in the Navy’s pursuit of partnerships is the Naval Science and Technology strategy. From autonomy and unmanned systems to human performance, this document guides the Navy in its pursuit of technology, science, engineering, and innovation. A brief review of the recently released strategy will be presented with an overview of military programs to better enable future NASA-military collaborations.
Biography:
Lieutenant Commander Leedjia Svec currently directs military programs at NASA Ames where she facilitates partnerships and the sharing of technical knowledge and resources. She was previously stationed at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) as a senior scientist where she led policy and basic and applied research in subject areas such as cultural heritage preservation, culture, diversity and inclusion, anti-hazing, bias, and more. Prior duty stations include the Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio where she developed mathematical models for predicting color vision performance in pilots and implemented a program of science education for girls in the community. At the Center for Information Dominance, she introduced a course of academic improvement skills for over 6,000 sailors. She has also served as adjunct faculty at University of West Florida, University of Texas at San Antonio and Saint Mary’s University. LCDR Svec studied psychology and engineering technology at University of the Pacific, studied abroad at the University of Melbourne, Australia and obtained her MA/PhD in vision science from the University of Nevada, Reno. In 2014 she completed a second MA in International Relations at Saint Mary’s University with distinction where she engaged in hands on conflict transformation internationally. Past achievements include: International Young Investigator Award from the Aerospace Medical Association, National Engaged Leader Award, Officer of the Quarter, and Lockheed Martin Internship Award. She is an avid STEM and diversity advocate, has served as a scholarship selection panelist for the American Association of University Women, was a student fellow of Norwich University Institute of Culture and Language, and is the author of Stylish STEM, an education blog.
