Derek Wang

As the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) Director of Communications, Derek Wang oversees communications and education outreach and engagement, representing a vast technology development portfolio critical to NASA’s exploration missions.

For the past 15 years, Wang has helped to establish and implement NASA Technologies strategic communications and outreach goals, promoting collaboration amongst mission directorates, and aligning messaging across the agency.

Prior to his current position, Wang served as the Public Outreach Manager for STMD and previously served in the same capacity for the Office of the Chief Technologist and the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate.

Wang began his career with NASA in 2001 as a contractor for exhibits and outreach at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. In 2005, he moved to NASA Headquarters to build the communication and outreach program focused on technology development and research efforts across the agency. Wang has planned, organized and executed hundreds of public engagement events to key stakeholders throughout his career. These events—held across the globe—have delivered NASA content to millions of people who have, in turn, become advocates for American space exploration.

Wang received his bachelor’s degree in business marketing from the University of Alabama in 2000.

Wang has received numerous awards for his service in strategic communications at NASA. Wang managed the creation and development of numerous award-winning and nationally recognized audio and visual publications, web interactives and multimedia products for NASA. Awards include a regional Emmy award, Communicator’s Award, and a Silver Addy and Webby Award for NASA Home and City in 2010. Most recently, a Silver National Addy was awarded for the newest version of NASA Home and City 3.0, launched in 2019. For the same project, he led the group that won a 2019 Headquarters Honor Award for Team Excellence. Wang has been recognized with several group achievement awards for his performance in management and content creation, as well a NASA Headquarters leadership award in 2015.