Bhavya Lal

Bhavya Lal is a **Professor of Policy Analysis** at the **RAND School of Public Policy**. She previously served as NASA's **Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy**, advising senior leadership on domestic/international policy, strategic planning, and technology investments. She was NASA’s first woman Acting Chief Technologist and held a high-ranking role during the Biden administration's first 100 days. Her work advanced the **Artemis program**, planetary defense, space sustainability, and emerging technologies like quantum science and AI.

• Education:
• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Nuclear Engineering (MIT)
• Master’s in Technology and Policy (MIT)
• Ph.D. in Public Policy and Public Administration (George Washington University)

Research Interests: Focuses on space policy, nuclear science, and innovation strategy. Advocates for ethical space practices, space nuclear power, and sustainable exploration. Her work bridges technical and policy domains to shape national and international space agendas.

• Awards: Recognized for public service in aerospace/astronautics, inducted into honor societies for nuclear engineering and public policy.

Advising/Grants: Led influential analyses at the Institute for Defense Analyses, contributing to space science and commercial space policy. Her career combines academia, government leadership, and think-tank research to drive impactful policy outcomes.