Station Nation: Meet Mellodee White!

Meet International Space Station (ISS) Research Portfolio Manager, Mellodee White. Mellodee plays an essential role for the ISS Research Integration Office gathering resources, determining proper equipment, and creating a safe and impactful exploration experience for those in the ISS Program. Her passion for scientific research allows for scientists, engineers, researchers, or even people in businesses to fly their experiments on the International Space Station.

As Mellodee amplifies opportunities for those who desire to influence the STEM community, the agency is grateful for her significant contributions to the space station. Celebrating Black History Month in February, the ISS Program honors the impacts that Black Americans have made to the space station over the years.  While we learn about Mellodee, her path to NASA, and more, she also shares what Black History Month means to her.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Akron, Ohio.

What ISS office do you support (e.g., Vehicle, External Integration, etc.)?

Research Integration Office (OZ).

What is your job title?

Research Portfolio Manager (RPM).

Describe what your position entails:

Working in the Natural Sciences Client Support Office (OZ2), I offer support and guidance to scientists seeking to fly their experiments on the International Space Station. Once on the station, crew members carry out those experiments. In addition to my role as an RPM, I usher science investigations through the payload integration process. My responsibilities include payload/investigation feasibility, acceptance, mission integration, on-orbit execution, and communication of scientific results. The science investigations come from various clients, which include the NASA Headquarters-based Biological and Physical Sciences Division (BPS), the ISS National Laboratory, as well as NASA’s Human Research Program (HRP). My current payloads consist of all investigations utilizing the rodent model. 

How would you describe your job to family or friends who may not be as familiar with NASA as employees who are reading this?

"I help scientists get their experiments onto the International Space Station and into the hands of astronauts who will perform those experiments."

How long have you been working for the agency?

My one-year anniversary was in January 2023.

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What was your path to NASA?

My path to NASA was not a straightforward one. As a young child, I would spend hours looking up at the stars and wanting to view Earth from outer space. Believing that was not possible for me, I focused and followed the pre-med track where my passion for science led me to research. For two decades, I worked as a researcher at Baylor College of Medicine and University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston in neuroscience and infectious disease. My husband, who works at NASA, encouraged me to seek positions within the International Space Station, and to my delight, there were opportunities requiring my specialized skills. Applying for a position within the ISS Research Integration Office has been the best career decision thus far.

Is there a space figure you look up to? Someone in the space, aerospace, or science industry who has motivated you or inspired you to work for the space program? Or, is there someone you discovered while working for NASA who inspires you (e.g, an astronaut, astronomer, flight director, fighter pilot, space communicator, etc.)?

I am inspired every day as I work with my OZ colleagues. The culture/atmosphere in OZ is one of acceptance, inclusion, and excellence. I want to do better and be better as I watch Ryan Prouty, ISS Research Integration Manager lead our team from one successful mission to the next.

What do diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you? How does it guide you in your work at NASA?

"Diversity, equity, and inclusion means that I have a seat at the table. I am visible. I have a voice. I am accepted."

It guides me in my work at NASA by allowing me to actively participate and contribute to essential discussions and strategic direction.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month to me is an opportunity to hear, understand, and embrace black stories, uplift black voices, and highlight those who have made a difference in my culture and society as a whole. I strive to continue their legacy of excellence.

Do you have any advice for others, like yourself, who may be contemplating a career at NASA?

"Do not assume there is not a place for you at NASA. I had the misconception that NASA was filled with engineers, pilots, etc., but there is room for all disciplines—business, administrative, computer science, the list is endless."

What is your favorite NASA memory?

My favorite NASA memory took place only a few months into my role as an RPM. A couple of my colleagues, Jorge Sotomayor and Lakita Lowe, invited me to the recording of “The Color of Space Documentary” held at Space Center Houston highlighting the stories of Black American astronauts. Feelings of pride flooded my soul, as I listened to the astronaut panel share their motivations, challenges, and what inspired them.

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What is the most meaningful project you've worked on during your time with NASA? 

My most meaningful project to date was my role as the RPM for the Rodent Research-25 mission that flew on NASA’s SpaceX CRS-26 Commercial Resupply Mission. Dr. Guiseppe Intini and his lab spent years working and preparing their experiment for flight. As a former researcher, I could only imagine the emotions of the team as they were given the flight assignment. Working with a brilliant principal investigator and his amazing team was great, but to observe them experience the launching of their research was priceless.

“Their facial expressions of joy, elation, and disbelief as the rocket ascended are images that I will never forget. A phenomenal moment in time was created that day for me.”

What do you love sharing about station to general audiences (in regard to getting the general public to understand its role and how it benefits life on Earth)?

I love sharing that we have hundreds of experiments on the International Space Station that not only focus on medical discoveries, development of new technologies, and plant growth in microgravity, but also unique experiments, such as understanding how water droplets in microgravity may form a “bridge” between themselves before merging into one.

What are your hobbies/things you enjoy doing outside of work?

I have numerous hobbies outside of work. Although I have retired champion West Highland White Terriers I am actively involved in my local and national westie clubs. I assist at the annual World Series of Dog Shows at NRG Arena. I’ve enjoyed Zumba for almost 15 years and became a Zumba instructor a few years ago. My number one hobby is spending quality time with my husband and fur babies.

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Day launch or night launch (watching)?

I have been blessed to observe both and they have left me speechless.

Favorite Space Movie?

I have two favorite space movies, one science fiction and the other based on a true story: Star Wars (Episodes 1-9) and Hidden Figures.

NASA worm or "meatball" logo?

Meatball.

In honor of Black History Month, we recognize the contributions of Black Americans to our space programs across the nation, including the International Space Station program. Black astronauts were essential in the assembly of the International Space Station and today use the orbiting lab by performing numerous spacewalks and robotic operations and conducting research as expedition crew members. As we honor Black Americans who have traveled to and are in space, we also recognize the efforts of countless Black Americans on the ground who made the success of the International Space Station possible. 

Every day, we are conducting exciting research aboard our orbiting laboratory that will help us explore farther into space and bring benefits back to people on Earth. You can keep up with the latest news, videos, and pictures about space station science on the Station Research & Technology news page. It’s a curated hub of International Space Station research and digital media from NASA’s Johnson Space Center and other centers and space agencies.

Sign up for our once-a-week email newsletter to get the updates delivered directly to you! Follow updates on social media at @ISS_Research on Twitter and space station accounts on Facebook and Instagram.