Planetary Protection Engineer & Space Science Leader; Lead for Mars 2020 Mission at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Science Communicator Known for "Because Space" & "Bill Nye Saves the World"
Moogega Cooper Biography
Dr. Moogega Cooper is a planetary protection engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and a recognized leader in space science and planetary protection. Cooper served as the lead of planetary protection for the Mars 2020 mission and contributed to the InSight mission. Her work focuses on ensuring that spacecraft exploring other celestial bodies do not contaminate them with Earth-based microbes, and vice versa. Cooper is responsible for maintaining the integrity of Mars exploration by preventing contamination, a role that has led to her being referred to as the real-life Guardian of the Galaxy.
Cooper graduated from high school at age 16, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Hampton University, and completed a master's degree and PhD in mechanical engineering at Drexel University. Her doctoral research centered on non-equilibrium plasma sterilization of spacecraft materials, which enabled her to join the Planetary Protection Group at Jet Propulsion Laboratory. As a planetary protection engineer, Cooper applies advanced sterilization techniques to ensure that missions do not compromise the search for life beyond Earth.
At Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Cooper has played a key role in several NASA missions, including serving as planetary protection lead for the Mars 2020 mission. Her responsibilities include ensuring compliance with international planetary protection protocols established by the Committee on Space Research, safeguarding scientific integrity by minimizing the risk of introducing Earth microbes to Mars. Cooper also supported planetary protection for the Mars Helicopter Technology Demonstration, overseeing microbial sampling and reduction techniques during assembly and integration.
Cooper's contributions have been recognized with honors such as the NASA Early Career Public Achievement Medal, the Charles Elachi Award for Exceptional Early Career Achievement, and Jet Propulsion Laboratory Voyager Awards for technical leadership. She has been named to The Root 100 Most Influential African Americans and received the Bruce Murray Award for exemplary and innovative efforts in inspiring the next generation of women and children in STEM, with special emphasis on underserved communities.
In addition to her scientific work, Cooper is an advocate for STEAM education and science communication. She has appeared on programs including "Because Space," "How the Universe Works," and "Bill Nye Saves the World." She delivered a talk titled "How to Find Life on Mars While Protecting Earth" for TEDxMarin. Cooper is committed to engaging audiences of all ages to share the importance of science and encourage interest in STEAM fields.
Moogega Cooper Speaking Topics
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Limitless: Trailblazing Leadership from the Earth to the Stars
Moo is blazing a trail as a real life ‘Guardian of the Galaxy’ holding the responsibility of keeping the Red Planet safe from Earth’s contaminants, and now her sights are set on keeping our planet safe from returned samples. Now she is sharing leadership lessons learned from her inspirational journey to the top of her field—space exploration, and insights on how perseverance pays off and how to make your team strive to even greater heights.
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Diversity in STEAM from a Real Life Guardian of the Galaxy
Moo inspires others with her love of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), her personal journey and the obstacles she overcame, and her fascinating tales of what it’s like to be a real life guardian of the galaxy. She holds the awesome responsibility of keeping the red planet safe from Earth’s contaminants. She also shares how important it is for people from diverse backgrounds to become the next generation of leaders in the fields of science and technology.
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Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Moogega Cooper for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Moogega Cooper, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Moogega Cooper or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Moogega Cooper
Speaking fees for Moogega Cooper, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Moogega Cooper are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Moogega Cooper, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Moogega Cooper speak about?
Moogega Cooper is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Empowerment, Environment, Female Leadership, Futurism, Leadership, Personal Growth, Science, Space, STEM, Strategic Leadership, Technology, Women, Women's Empowerment -
Where does Moogega Cooper travel from?
Moogega Cooper generally travels from Pasadena, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Moogega Cooper’s agent?
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Moogega Cooper is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Limitless: Trailblazing Leadership from the Earth to the Stars and Diversity in STEAM from a Real Life Guardian of the Galaxy . The estimated speaking fee range to book Moogega Cooper for your event is $30,000 - $50,000. Moogega Cooper generally travels from Pasadena, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Cady Coleman, Emily Calandrelli, Alyssa Carson, Abigail Harrison and Sylvia Acevedo. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Moogega Cooper for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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