Loading ...Jordanian Excellence: Dr. Omar Hatamleh Leading AI at NASA
By: Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing Writer
Jordan has a rich history of contributing to the global community, and its people have made remarkable strides, particularly in the United States. From academia and engineering to medicine and the arts, Jordanians have left a memorable mark on various fields, showcasing their talents and innovation. Among these distinguished individuals is Dr. Omar Hatamleh, recently appointed Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). Dr. Hatamleh’s achievement is a testament to the extraordinary potential and dedication of Jordanians who excel internationally, pushing the boundaries of technology and science. Let us delve deeper into Dr. Omar Hatamleh’s inspiring journey and accomplishments through this article, brought to you by Yara Marei, an Arab America contributing writer.
In a groundbreaking appointment, Dr. Omar Hatamleh has been announced as the Chief Executive Officer of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, taking on the pivotal role of the first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer. This historic move underscores NASA’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology and AI into its missions, setting new standards in space exploration and innovation.
Goddard Space Flight Center: A Hub of Innovation and Discovery
Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA’s foremost space flight complex, is home to the nation’s largest collective of scientists, engineers, and technologists dedicated to designing spacecraft, instruments, and cutting-edge technologies for the study of Earth, the Sun, the solar system, and the broader universe. As the CEO of AI at Goddard, the role involves spearheading the incorporation of advanced artificial intelligence into these critical missions, promoting technological innovation, and optimizing the use of AI to advance NASA’s exploration and research objectives. Securing this position is highly competitive, requiring a unique combination of advanced AI expertise, significant experience in space technology, and proven leadership skills. For Dr. Omar Hatamleh, achieving this role is notably significant, highlighting the growing representation and contributions of Arabs in the field of space exploration and serving as a source of inspiration for future generations in the Arab world to take him as a role model.
A Visionary Leader in AI and Innovation
Dr. Omar Hatamleh brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. Currently serving as the Chief Advisor for Artificial Intelligence and Innovation at Goddard Space Flight Center and the Lead for NASA IT Strategy at NASA Headquarters, Dr. Hatamleh has been instrumental in creating NASA’s AI strategy. His efforts focus on identifying and integrating state-of-the-art AI and technological solutions to support NASA’s ambitious missions and goals.
Previously, Dr. Hatamleh served as the Chief Innovation Officer of Engineering at NASA from 2015 to March 2020, where he empowered the organization to tackle moonshot challenges and fostered a culture of creative thinking and innovation. His tenure at NASA Ames Research Center as the Deputy Chief Scientist saw him identify promising areas of scientific research and supporting technologies that enhanced the Center’s capabilities.
A Distinguished Career
With an impressive 27-year career at NASA, Dr. Hatamleh has published over 33 international journal articles in engineering, amassing more than 1400 citations. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Silver Achievement Medal, the NASA Innovation Award, and the Superior Achievement Award.
Dr. Hatamleh’s educational background is equally remarkable. He holds four engineering degrees from esteemed institutions such as the University of Jordan, California State University-Sacramento, North Carolina State University, and the University of South Carolina. Additionally, he has completed executive leadership programs at Stanford University and Cornell University.
Global Recognition and Thought Leadership
Dr. Hatamleh is widely recognized as one of the Top 100 Global Thought Leaders in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation. His expertise and insights have made him a sought-after keynote speaker at high-profile events, including the G20, Google, IBM, Dell, and the European Investment Fund. His thought leadership has also been featured in prominent media outlets like CNN and Forbes.
Co-Author of “Between Brains”
In April 2020, Dr. Hatamleh teamed up with Dr. George Tilesch to co-author “Between Brains,” a book that explores the profound impact of AI. Delving into its transformative power on politics, business, and society, the authors urge readers to navigate the opportunities and challenges of this new technological era with conscientiousness. As AI permeates deeper into our lives, it encourages a reevaluation of fundamental human questions. Addressing both its benefits and risks, they advocate for thoughtful engagement amidst societal divides. Emphasizing human agency in shaping AI’s future, they underscore the pivotal role of leadership in fostering a constructive AI-driven world. They aim to demystify AI, empowering readers to grasp its implications and make informed choices in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Looking Forward: A Future of Possibilities
As Dr. Hatamleh steps into his role as the Chief Executive Officer of Goddard Space Flight Center, he remains committed to advancing our nation’s space program and exploring new frontiers of possibility. Dr. Omar Hatmleh will be one of the most prominent figures at LEAP 2025 in Saudi Arabia, which is one of the greatest conferences about technology in the MENA region, to share his visionary leadership and dedication to innovation to ensure that Goddard will continue to be a beacon of scientific excellence and technological advancement in the years to come.
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