Darrell L. Jan, Ph. D.

Advanced Environmental Monitoring and Control Manager
Biomolecular Systems Research Program Deputy Manager
Environmental and Biomedical Technology APM
Life Detection Science and Technology

Dr. Darrell Jan holds a BS in Bioengineering from UC Berkeley, and a PhD from MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering, having performed research in the areas of cardio and pulmonary fluid mechanics. His involvement with NASA started during his student days with a summer internship at JPL with the Viking Biology Team, and a co-op position at Ames Research Center in space suit development. Darrell started full time at JPL in 1987. His fluid mechanics background first led him to work on rocket plume modeling. Since then he has worked in areas ranging from propulsion system filtration to astronaut habitat sensors. During 1997/98 he was detailed to NASA Headquarters Code UL, where he served as Program Coordinator for the Advanced Environmental Monitoring and Control (AEMC) Program Element, part of the Advanced Human Support Technologies Program. Upon return to JPL he took the position of Group Supervisor for Planetary Protection Technologies.

Dr. Jan now manages the Biological and Environmental Technologies Office in the Life Detection Science and Technology Program Office. He is AEMC Project Manager and Deputy Manager for the NASA Biomolecular Systems Research Program.