Elaine Ho

Elaine Ho serves as the Associate Administrator for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM), where she plays a critical role in leading NASA’s effort to shape the future STEM workforce for both the agency and the broader aerospace industry. In this capacity, she provides strategic direction and leadership to connect students across the country with NASA’s mission and initiatives, fostering a pipeline of talent to meet the demands of the growing aerospace economy.

Experience

With extensive experience in STEM engagement and workforce development, Ho is dedicated to cultivating the skills and talents necessary for the future of aeronautics, science, space technology, and space exploration.

Her previous NASA roles included serving as the Associate Administrator for NASA’s Office of Equal Opportunity, and the Deputy Associate Administrator for OSTEM. In OSTEM, she oversaw a variety of programs designed to support students, universities, and institutions nationwide, and she successfully launched three regional workforce development programs to address the space industry’s urgent and rising demand for skilled technicians. 

In addition to her NASA roles, Ho has held senior leadership positions in the White House. She served as Chief of Staff of the United States Digital Service, Deputy Chief of Staff for Workforce in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Senior Policy Advisor in the National Space Council, where she brought together government agencies, industry leaders, and nonprofits to make impactful commitments for preparing and employing the STEM workforce of today and tomorrow.

Education

Ho’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Duke University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida.