Charles Elachi, former NASA-Jet Propulsion Laboratory director and Caltech professor emeritus, joined Huntington President Karen Lawrence on Oct. 9, 2024, in a conversation about surprising discoveries found at the intersection of science and the humanities, the spirit of optimism that propelled his career, and how planetary exploration fuels the imagination.
Celebrating The Huntington’s unparalleled opportunities for cross-disciplinary exploration of human culture and history, the Why It Matters series features Huntington President Karen R. Lawrence in conversation with distinguished guests about the enduring relevance of the arts and humanities.
This special Why It Matters program evokes the theme of the fall 2024 Getty initiative PST ART: Art & Science Collide.
About the Featured Guest
Charles Elachi was appointed director of NASA-Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 2001. He served in a variety of research and management positions at JPL beginning in 1971 and specialized in remote sensing, in addition to teaching at Caltech. Prior to becoming JPL’s director, he was its director for space and earth science programs, developing numerous flight missions and instruments for Earth observation, planetary exploration, and astrophysics. Dr. Elachi retired in 2016 and became professor emeritus at Caltech, allowing him to pursue research interests while continuing to participate as a science investigator on various missions. He continues to advocate for a strong space and earth science program. Dr. Elachi is the recipient of more than 50 international awards, including the French Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, the Royal Society of London Massey Award, the Nevada Medal, the Bob Hope Distinguished Citizen Award, National Air and Space Museum’s lifetime achievement award, and NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal. In 2006, he was named one of America’s best leaders by U.S. News & World Report. Dr. Elachi joined The Huntington’s Board of Governors in July 2021.