STIA Professor Rebecca Peters Recognized as a National Leader in Science and Security
Rebecca Peters
The Science, Technology and International Affairs (STIA) program is proud to celebrate Prof. Rebecca Peters on a series of extraordinary national recognitions highlighting her leadership at the intersection of space, security, and environmental resilience from the Lab to Science Policy.
Prof. Peters, who serves as Earth Action Lead at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, was recently selected as an Aspen Institute Rising Leaders Security Fellow through the Aspen Security Forum. The fellowship recognizes emerging leaders shaping the future of national and global security policy. Her selection underscores the growing importance of satellite data, Earth observation, and environmental intelligence in decision-making.
In addition, Prof. Peters was named one of the “Saving Nature: 11 Women to Watch in Science” by The Story Exchange, honoring women whose scientific leadership is driving meaningful environmental impact. She was also featured in Satellite Today’s 2026 “Celebrating Women in Satellite” issue, published by Via Satellite, recognizing her influence across the global space and satellite community.
At NASA Goddard, Prof. Peters is at the forefront of translating satellite data and remote sensing capabilities into actionable solutions for some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including water security, wildfire response, drought monitoring, and flood resilience. Her work exemplifies how space-based technologies can directly inform policy, disaster preparedness, and community resilience on the ground.
Prof. Peters organized international partners at Goddard Space Flight Center for a water security and remote sensing workshop, June 2025. Attendees included NASA Earth Action leadership, US Department of State, the Organization of American States, University of Virginia, the Yacyretá Binational Dam.
Prof. Peters spoke as a panelist at the “Mekong for the Future” conference in the Washington, D.C. area, convening regional stakeholders to advance water security solutions for the Mekong Basin in October 2024
Her impact extends beyond research and operations. Prof. Peters played a pivotal leadership role in mobilizing support for NASA’s recently selected Earth System Explorer missions, orchestrating broad, cross-sector backing for the STRIVE and EDGE mission proposals. She secured 123 letters of support from stakeholders across government, academia, and the private sector.
A dedicated mentor and public service advocate, Prof. Peters also serves on the board of the Marshall Scholars Association and as a mentor for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, guiding the next generation of leaders pursuing careers at the nexus of science, technology, and public policy.
Representing the U.S. Department of State alongside NASA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Prof. Peters orchestrated a five-country transboundary water security initiative leveraging remote sensing for drought and flood management across Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay in March 2023.
Prof. Peters’ recognitions reflect not only her technical expertise, but also her commitment to bridging scientific innovation and action. Her work embodies the STIA mission: leveraging science and technology to advance global security, environmental sustainability, and effective public leadership.