NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Chief Technology Strategist for Strategic Planning and Integration at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory/Caltech. Prior to this role, he served as JPL’s Interim and Deputy Chief Technologist responsible for JPL’s technology strategic planning, research, and infusion into flight missions. He has also served as the special advisor for small spacecraft missions at NASA Headquarters where he was responsible for advising on NASA’s cross-agency strategic directions for innovative small satellite science, exploration, and technology missions. Across his nearly 30-year career he has led and performed research and flight mission development spanning high-performance scientific computing, information and instrument systems technology, and small satellite science and technology. Charles has served on numerous committees for the National Academies, co-authoring reports on large strategic missions to remote sensing with small satellites. His recognitions include the JPL Lew Allen Award, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Software of the Year, and the NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal. He holds a B.S.E. in electrical engineering and computer science from Princeton University, an M.S. and Ph.D in computer science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.