Rita Sambruna
Clifton
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in the Government and academia, excelling in program management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic innovation. Proven track record in maintaining external and internal relations to build partnerships and cross-functional collaboration. Adept at research and analysis, fostering a culture of mentorship and growth within teams. Top strengths in solving problems, planning operations, and overseeing necessary changes.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Director, Astrophysics Division
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt
07.2020 - Current
- Managed and supervised a workforce of 400 in planning and executing complex space missions and programs, establishing metrics for success
- Oversaw budget planning and resource allocation for projects.
- Spearheaded organizational change to align the Division to new Agency's priorities and rescope existing assets
- Mentored and trained employees to new roles and for succession planning
Deputy Instrument Manager
NASA's GSFC
Greenbelt
09.2024 - 03.2025
- Detailed to work with engineers and project managers for MoSAIC/GDC for 6 months
- Translated science goals and objectives into engineering requirements
- Reconstituted workforce after a lapse in funding
Acting Deputy Director, Science and Exploration Di
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Collaborated with senior management to develop and implement organizational policies.
- Managed cross-functional teams to drive project completion within set timelines and to bolster innovation and transparency
- Liaised with external organizations and Government Agencies to provide stakeholder awareness and partnering opportunities
- Spearheaded initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency within the organization.
Program Scientist
NASA's Headquarters
Washington
09.2015 - 01.2020
- Managed a large program (Physics of the Cosmos) and a portfolio of missions to enable fulfillment of science requirements and excellence of operations
- Directed a program of technology development with creative initiatives for innovation and optimization of resources
- Initiated and directed studies in preparation for new strategic directions of the Division and Agency
- Managed competitive research proposals ensuring fairness and transparency of proceedings, and alignment with Agency's policies
Professor of Physics and Astronomy
George Mason University
Fairfax
07.2000 - 06.2005
- Developed and taught comprehensive curricula for undergraduate and graduate physics and astronomy courses.
- Mentored students through research projects and academic challenges.
- Conducted innovative research in Astrophysics with external funding
Education
Ph.D. - Astrophysics
International School of Advanced Studies
Trieste, Italy10-1994
Master of Science - Astrophysics
International School of Advanced Studies
Trieste, Italy10-1992
Bachelor of Science - Physics
University' Degli Studi
Milano, Italy05-1989
Skills
- Research and analysis
- Proposal development
- Stakeholder engagement
- Program and project management
- Strategic innovation
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Effective communication
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
French
Professional
Italian
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Limited
Accomplishments
- OMRI (Onore al Merito della Repubblica Italiana), title “Commendatore” (Commander of the Italian Republic, 2021) – highest civilian honor conferred by the President of Italy (OBE equivalent)
- · Keynote speaker at the Italian Association of Physics Students, 03/2024, in Milan, Italy.
- Elected Chair of Section D on Astronomy and Astrophysics, AAAS, 2024
- Honorary Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (2023)
- Elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Astronomical Society, American Physical Society
- NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal (2019)
- NASA/GSFC Special Act Awards (2022, 2021)
- NASA Group Achievement Award (2019)
- Several Division and Agency awards, NASA (2010-2014) and Outstanding leadership performance award, NASA (2010)
- Clare Boothe Luce Professorship, The Henry Luce Foundation (2000 – 2005)
- CAREER award, NSF (2003 – 2005) and LTSA award, NASA (2002 – 2005)
- NRC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (1995 – 1997)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Deputy Instrument Manager
NASA's GSFC
09.2024 - 03.2025
Acting Deputy Director, Science and Exploration Di
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
09.2023 - 06.2024
Deputy Director, Astrophysics Division
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
07.2020 - Current
Program Scientist
NASA's Headquarters
09.2015 - 01.2020
Professor of Physics and Astronomy
George Mason University
07.2000 - 06.2005
Ph.D. - Astrophysics
International School of Advanced Studies
Master of Science - Astrophysics
International School of Advanced Studies
Bachelor of Science - Physics
University' Degli Studi
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