Dr. Darlene Sze Shien Lim is a research scientist at the NASA Ames Research Center. Darlene leads several NASA-funded programs that are focused on blending field science research with the development of capabilities and concepts for future human-robotic spaceflight to the Moon and Mars. She has conducted field research around the world from the Arctic to the Antarctic, on land and underwater where she has spent hours piloting submersibles as a scientist and explorer. She is the Principal Investigator of the SUBSEA (Systematic Underwater Biogeochemical Science and Exploration Analog), BASALT (Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains) and PLRP (Pavilion Lake) research programs, Deputy PI for the FINESSE (Field Investigations to Enable Solar System Science and Exploration) program, and Science Ops lead for the RESOURCE program. She has participated in the NASA MVP (Mojave Volatiles Prospector), HMP (Haughton Mars Project), 2010 International Lunar Surface ISRU analog program, NEEMO (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations) N15 and N16 deployments, and the 2006 Lago Sarmiento National Geographic Expedition. In January 2020 she joined the NASA VIPER lunar rover mission team as the Deputy Project Scientist. In this role she is focused on developing and leading VIPER Science Operations activities. Darlene has been the NASA MEPAG (Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group) Goal IV (Prepare for Human Exploration) Co-Chair (2009-2016). She is currently serving on the NOAA Ocean Exploration Advisory Board, and the NASA Ocean Worlds Steering Committee.
Photo Credit: S. Hughes