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David F. Young Deputy Director, NASA’s Langley Research Center

David Young is the Deputy Center Director at NASA’s Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia.

David F. Young, Deputy Director, NASA’s Langley Research Center.
David F. Young, Deputy Director, NASA’s Langley Research Center
Credits: NASA

Prior to his current role, he served as Director of the Langley Science Directorate. In this capacity, he was responsible for a research portfolio that includes satellite and aircraft-based missions designed to improve our knowledge of changes in the Earth’s atmosphere and how those changes affect public health, air quality, our economy, and national security. The Langley science portfolio also includes major contributions to the development and implementation of technologies that enable planetary science, particularly in the areas of the entry, descent, and landing of planetary missions.

Since joining NASA in 1996, Young has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in a variety of roles. He was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in October 2012 as Deputy Director for Programs in Langley’s Engineering Directorate, where he was responsible for providing systems engineering and discipline engineering capability for implementing complex missions in support of NASA’s Science, Exploration, Aeronautics, and Space Technology missions.

Before that, Young served in a progression of management and technical leadership roles of increasing responsibility at Langley. In 2006, he was detailed to NASA Headquarters as part of the Agency’s Leadership Development Program as a Program Executive in the Applied Sciences Program. In 2007, he served a detail as the Senior Program Advisor for Polar Orbiting Satellites for the Assistant Administrator for Satellite and Information Services of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Young’s leadership expertise was recognized in 2011 when he received the prestigious NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal and in 2018 when he received the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award.

Young holds a bachelor’s degree in Astrophysics from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in Meteorology from the Pennsylvania State University. His research career has been focused on the generation of reliable long-term records of our planet that are used to benefit the public through informed policy decisions. He is the author or co-author of over 55 peer-reviewed science publications, and he received the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal in 2001 for his pioneering work in Earth Science.

When not at work, Young enjoys spending time with his wife, two adult sons, and two grandchildren. Despite ample evidence to the contrary, he remains perennially optimistic about Philadelphia sports teams.

Last Updated: Jun 16, 2021
Editor: Eric Gillard