Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft is a Research Professor at the University of Maryland and the Director of NASA Acres, NASA's US-focused agriculture program. She helped found NASA Harvest in 2017 and has dedicated her career to applying satellite data, machine learning, and geospatial tools to benefit agriculture worldwide. Her work sits at the cutting edge of space technology, earth science, and sustainable food systems—proving that NASA is about much more than just space exploration.
In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Whitcraft shares her unconventional path from pre-med student to leading NASA's agriculture programs. She opens up about struggling with anxiety and depression in college, the pivotal geography course that changed her life, and dealing with imposter syndrome even at the height of success. She discusses the realities of being a woman in male-dominated STEM fields, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career. Above all, she emphasizes the importance of following your curiosity, believing in yourself, and remembering that it's never too late to try something new. Whether you're interested in technology, agriculture, or simply learning how to navigate life's challenges with grace and determination, this episode offers wisdom and encouragement for dreamers of all ages.