Nicole Duncan

Dr. Nicole Duncan is the strategic planning manager within the Civil Space strategic business unit for BAE Systems, Inc., Space & Mission Systems. Dr. Duncan oversees the division’s annual strategic plan, spearheads special projects across the space mission lifecycle and drives development of advanced technologies.

Previously, Dr. Duncan managed the mission formulation and technology development activities for heliophysics, astrophysics and planetary science as the sector’s space sciences portfolio manager. In this role, she developed innovative mission concepts for both scientific and operational purposes across the solar system. Dr. Duncan established the sector’s heliophysics and space weather mission areas and continues to act as a subject matter expert for these disciplines. She regularly convenes thought leaders and actively participates in community-driven forums where she connects between science, operational, national policy and industrial communities. Her recent community activities include chairing NASA’s Space Weather Council and serving on the White House’s Space Weather Advisory Group.

Dr. Duncan received a B.S. in engineering physics from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of California, Berkeley. Her graduate research focused on particle energization and transport in solar flares.