Moogega Cooper

Dr. Moogega Cooper is a planetary protection engineer with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and she plays a vital role in the mission to discern whether Mars could be habitable for humans. As the real-life “Guardian of the Galaxy,” she is responsible for ensuring that we don't harm what already exists there while researchers learn more about the planet. Cooper serves as the Planetary Protection Lead for the Mars Rover "Perseverance," focusing her efforts on ensuring Earth's contaminants do not harm Mars. She is passionate about introducing more people to the wonders of the STEM world, including talking about her work to boys and girls from underrepresented communities and appearing on shows like "Because Space", "Bill Nye Saves the World", and "How the Universe Works".

Dr. Cooper received her B.A. in Physics from Hampton University in 2006. She then enrolled in Drexel University where she received her Masters and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in thermal fluid sciences by the age of 24. Throughout her early education, she graduated from high school at 16 and swiftly moved through higher education, demonstrating her exceptional capabilities in the field. Now, Cooper leads initiatives within the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s (JPL) Planetary Protection Group and works diligently to manage both the technical and ethical implications of space exploration.

Beyond her scientific work, Cooper is recognized for her contributions to the field and has been awarded the NASA Early Career Public Achievement Medal, the Charles Elachi Award for Exceptional Early Career Achievement, and the JPL Voyager Awards for Technical Leadership. She also received the Bruce Murray Award in 2019 for her efforts in inspiring the next generation of women and children in STEM, particularly in underserved communities. In 2020, she was listed amongst The Root's 100 Most Influential African Americans and received the JPL Team Award for her successful support and execution of Mars 2020 Project Systems Engineering tasks. In 2021, she was recognized as a visionary during KTLA's Black History Month. Cooper actively shares her expertise and experiences through programs aimed at empowering organizations and individuals to overcome obstacles and promote inclusivity in science and technology fields.