Darian Dixon Email & Phone Number

San Diego, California, United States

Mastcam-Z Data Management Lead:-Leadership position for data management of the Mastcam-Z instrument on NASA's Perseverance Mars rover.-Used heritage procedures combined with novel and creative ideas to develop the ZDM role for the Perseverance mission from the ground up.-Spearheaded development and maintenance of an extensive MySQL database to catalogue all Mastcam-Z images, image metadata, and Perseverance rover event records.-Developed Python and shell script tools to… Show more Mastcam-Z Data Management Lead:-Leadership position for data management of the Mastcam-Z instrument on NASA's Perseverance Mars rover.-Used heritage procedures combined with novel and creative ideas to develop the ZDM role for the Perseverance mission from the ground up.-Spearheaded development and maintenance of an extensive MySQL database to catalogue all Mastcam-Z images, image metadata, and Perseverance rover event records.-Developed Python and shell script tools to support Mastcam-Z instrument operations.-Authored, reviewed, and delivered sequence commands to manage storage of Mastcam-Z image data onboard the rover.-Analyzed downlinked Mastcam-Z data to assess image quality and maintain instrument health and safety.-Worked in tandem with our counterpart Mastcam-Z operations team at Arizona State University to build efficient and synergistic procedures for co-operations between two institutions. -Drafted detailed documentation of all ZDM tools, procedures, and protocols. Led extensive, guided training on the ZDM role.-Assisted with the investigation of Mastcam-Z anomalies, JPL Ground Data System anomalies pertaining to Mastcam-Z, and thorough documentation of these problems and their resolutions.-Commanded a novel data management procedure to ensure downlink of Ingenuity helicopter first flight video frames with the least possible delay.MMM (Mastcam, MAHLI, MARDI) Payload Uplink and Downlink:-Authored, reviewed, and delivered thousands of commands to operate MMM instruments on NASA's Curiosity Mars rover. -Worked in tandem with dozens of team members in the international scientific community and at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab to meet mission objectives.-Developed tools to help automate the generation of common MMM imaging commands. Show less

Bellingham, Washington Area

-Teaching assistant for Geology 101 laboratory sections. -Assisted with the development of the Mastcam-Z multispectral instrument for the upcoming Mars-2020 rover. -Characterized Mastcam-Z's spectral filters' ability to constrain the visible-to-near-infrared spectral properties of hydrated sulfate minerals. -Produced orbital maps and imagery with extensive use of ArcGIS and ENVI software. -Developed preliminary spectral parameters for the future use of the Mastcam-Z instrument… Show more -Teaching assistant for Geology 101 laboratory sections. -Assisted with the development of the Mastcam-Z multispectral instrument for the upcoming Mars-2020 rover. -Characterized Mastcam-Z's spectral filters' ability to constrain the visible-to-near-infrared spectral properties of hydrated sulfate minerals. -Produced orbital maps and imagery with extensive use of ArcGIS and ENVI software. -Developed preliminary spectral parameters for the future use of the Mastcam-Z instrument to detect important minerals at potential landing sites.-Presented detailed reports to the Mastcam-Z development team at mission conferences. Show less

-I tutored Milwaukee Public Schools high school students in chemistry and mathematics.

Greater Milwaukee Area

-Assisted with research within the Geosciences department at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.-Investigated geothermal alteration and element mobility of hot spring and fumarolic environments in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, in conjunction with ongoing work studying similar environments in Iceland. -Participated in fieldwork collecting in situ data and hydrothermal samples in Lassen Volcanic National Park.-Performed x-ray diffraction/x-ray fluorescence analysis on a… Show more -Assisted with research within the Geosciences department at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.-Investigated geothermal alteration and element mobility of hot spring and fumarolic environments in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, in conjunction with ongoing work studying similar environments in Iceland. -Participated in fieldwork collecting in situ data and hydrothermal samples in Lassen Volcanic National Park.-Performed x-ray diffraction/x-ray fluorescence analysis on a large number of samples. Show less

-Made outbound calls to inform select students of important information regarding their admission and enrollment processes. -Took inbound calls from students and prospective students to assist them with all manners related to the undergraduate admission process.

-Acted as a mentor, resource, point of contact, and friend to over 100 new transfer and adult students entering their first year at UWM. -Ensured new students had a successful transition to a new campus environment and felt that support systems were available that could contribute to their academic success. -Acted as a middleman between students and our amazing campus resources. -Oversaw and worked directly with a small group of other mentors to coordinate our efforts to be as… Show more -Acted as a mentor, resource, point of contact, and friend to over 100 new transfer and adult students entering their first year at UWM. -Ensured new students had a successful transition to a new campus environment and felt that support systems were available that could contribute to their academic success. -Acted as a middleman between students and our amazing campus resources. -Oversaw and worked directly with a small group of other mentors to coordinate our efforts to be as effective as possible. -Responsible for the creation, planning, and execution of some campus events for students, as well as volunteering my time to campus functions. Show less

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Geosciences

Master’S Degree, Geology And Planetary Science

Activities and Societies: Associated Students (Campus Government) - Graduate Council Member

Bachelor’S Degree, Geosciences, Completed

Activities and Societies: Treasurer - UWM Geology Club (2013-2014) | Peer Mentor Leader / Campus Ambassador - UWM Student Success Center |.

Education record

High School