USRA offers eminent scientists and researchers the opportunity to work at National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) in support of NASA MSFC's Earth Science, Space Science, and Exploration programs. USRA also develops and manages research and technology laboratories within NSSTC.

NSSTC's Earth science research activities include:

• Using data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Landsat satellites to enhance models that evaluate the change of land use on the environment;
• Evaluating the utility of data from the Hyperspectral Infrared Image mission for use in ecological forecasting and health applications; and
• Using data from the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) and Precipitation and the All-weather Temperature and Humidity (PATH) missions to improve models for weather forecasts, climate predictions, and pollution estimates.

Scientists at NSSTC are also conducting Global Hydrology Cycle studies, lightning studies, soil moisture research, support for NASA's Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center, and Remote Sensing for Archaeology. Through their research, USRA scientists are playing a vital role in research on water management, energy management, improvement of agricultural efficiency, coastal zone management, and ecological forecasting.

Dr. Don Perkey

Earth science research at NSSTC is led by Professor Don Perkey of the University of Alabama, Huntsville. Dr. Perkey began his career at the National Center for Atmospheric Research and subsequently joined the Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science at Drexel University. Dr. Perkey has been principal investigator on research projects for NOAA-ERL, NASA, NSF and the U.S. Navy. In 1994, Dr. Perkey joined the faculty of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he continues to teach.