Susan Pope

Southwest Research Institute, Executive Director Space Science Division / IMAP Payload Manager

Susan Pope has dedicated 28 years to advancing space science research as part of the Space Science Division at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). She began her professional career in 1997 after earning a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Balancing work and education, she completed her master’s in engineering management at UT in 2002.

Susan’s career has evolved from designing space instrumentation as a Mechanical Engineer to leading diverse teams as a Systems Engineer, Project Manager, and now Executive Director of the Space Science Division. She has contributed to numerous NASA and ESA missions, including IMAGE, Rosetta, Mars Express, New Horizons, JUNO, IBEX, CYGNSS, MMS, and IMAP, successfully guiding the development of innovative instruments and complex payloads. Guided by Eleanor Roosevelt’s words, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face, You must do the thing you think you cannot do” she thrives on tackling challenges at work and at home.

A passionate advocate for STEM, Susan inspires students of all ages and has engaged the public through NASA outreach initiatives like the Interstellar Boundary Explorer mission (IBEX) planetarium show and NASA EDGE broadcasts. She was inspired to pursue a career in Engineering due to her love of math and science at a young age. She loves to share her experiences with students of all ages focusing on how everyone can contribute to space science research regardless of your education level.

Outside of work, Susan lives in Helotes, Texas, with her husband, teenage son, and four dogs. An avid hiker, weightlifter, and obstacle course racer, she embraces adventure in every aspect of life.