The oceans of the outer planets (like within Jupiter's moon Europa) invite exploration since they harbor key ingredients of life - liquid water like we know it, biological essential minerals, and an energy source that exists over many millions of years. It would be a national technical undertaking of the first order, and one perfectly suited for this moment, to reach these oceans and answer the question of whether or not extant life - meaning life existing today - is in the oceans. In this role, I lead a diverse team that is organizing the advanced engineering systems needed to arrive at an outer planet, descend to the surface, burrow down to the oceans and enter the water. It's a long-term effort but one we can expect to watch within our lifetime - though remotely.

Leading space tech work at JPL we have harmonized and incorporated the diverse views and needs of a range of stakeholders to develop technologies that positively impact JPL missions. Stakeholders include JPL senior leadership, leaders at NASA HQ and Centers. This process requires assessing the state-of-the-art, while working with JPL line management and technical communities to successfully bring the capabilities to fruition.