Ms. Ritika Prasai (She/Her)

Data Scientist and Software Developer
Solar Physics Laboratory (671)

How did you end up working at NASA Goddard?

My journey to NASA Goddard is rooted in perseverance, preparation, and a relentless drive to excel. After completing my M.S. in 2021, I spent two years honing my skills at reputable organizations, carefully building the expertise I knew would be essential for a role at NASA. During this time, I focused on strengthening my abilities in data analysis, software development, and space-related research. I also wrote research papers, attended seminars, and participated in workshops, continuously seeking opportunities to learn and grow in my field. Alongside my professional development, I pursued coursework to further deepen my technical knowledge and ensure I was up-to-date with the latest advancements in space exploration and technology. These efforts were all part of a carefully crafted plan to position myself for a career at NASA, where I could contribute to groundbreaking space missions. When the opportunity at NASA Goddard arose, I knew I was not only ready but uniquely prepared to offer a fresh perspective and a passion for research that aligned with their mission. Receiving the offer from NASA marked the culmination of years of focused effort. It was a testament to the power of resilience, dedication, and hard work. Today, I am fortunate to collaborate with brilliant minds, contributing to projects that are shaping the future of space exploration. My journey is a reflection of the belief that with preparation, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to growth, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved.

What inspired you to pursue a career in data science?

A spark of curiosity for data science was ignited in a remote Nepali village, where access to electricity, transportation, and communication was limited. Despite these limitations, I was deeply curious about the world—fascinated by the power of the sun, the possibility of life beyond Earth, and the magic of technology like television. Growing up in a society with limited opportunities for women, I faced numerous challenges. However, my innate curiosity and passion for understanding the universe pushed me to pursue education. As the first woman in my family to attend university in the U.S., I navigated an uphill battle for respect and recognition, often proving my worth in environments that weren’t always welcoming. During my undergraduate years in Pokhara, Nepal, I discovered the transformative power of data—not just as numbers, but as a story waiting to be uncovered. This realization led me to pursue a career in data science. I understood that the true value of data lies in its accuracy, reliability, and the insights it can provide. This passion for data science brought me to my current role at the Solar Data Analysis Center, where I work with critical solar mission data. I ensure that the data is precise, complete, and ready for analysis. By tracking data integrity and identifying gaps, I contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in solar science and space exploration. Throughout my journey, I encountered many obstacles. Yet, each challenge only strengthened my resolve to succeed. What excites me most about data science is its infinite potential: every dataset holds new possibilities and every analysis leads to more questions. For me, data science is not just about finding answers; it’s about pushing the boundaries of knowledge and contributing to meaningful change. I’m honored to be a part of this field, where curiosity and dedication drive progress in space exploration and beyond.

What skills are most useful to you in your work, and where did you develop those skills?

The most valuable skills in my work are my ability to analyze and work with data, my commitment to staying at the cutting edge of technology, and my deep passion for research. These skills have been honed through both formal education and hands-on experience, allowing me to approach data analysis not just as a technical task, but as a way to uncover hidden insights. A key turning point in my career was using machine learning algorithms for various projects, including land use and land cover analysis project during my M.S. thesis. This experience strengthened my problem-solving abilities and deepened my understanding of advanced technologies. I further developed these skills by writing research grants and leading projects as a Principal Investigator, where I gained experience managing research from start to finish. In addition to hands-on work, I continually seek to stay ahead in my field by taking certification courses on platforms like Udemy and attending various trainings and seminars. My passion for learning is the driving force behind my growth, ensuring that I remain at the forefront of new technological advancements. Working with NASA is a dream come true, and the opportunity to contribute to such a prestigious organization drives me to continually innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible. This journey allows me to not only grow professionally but also to contribute to cutting-edge research that can shape our understanding of the universe.

What science question intrigues you the most?

The science question that intrigues me the most is, "How do solar phenomena, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, influence the habitability of planets, particularly those beyond our solar system?" This question not only challenges our understanding of solar dynamics but also expands the boundaries of what we know about life itself. As we explore the Sun’s behavior and its effects on space weather, we uncover essential clues about how similar processes could shape the environments of distant exoplanets. Could solar phenomena, which has impacts on Earth, also hinder or support the development of life on other worlds? My work with solar missions like Hinode, IRIS (Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph), SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory), STEREO (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory), Parker Solar Probe, SDO (Solar Dynamics Observatory), and PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) allows me to manage and validate large, complex datasets that provide crucial insights into solar activity and its influence on space weather. As a data person, I ensure these datasets are accurate, integrated, and accessible for researchers studying solar flares, solar wind, and coronal mass ejections. This research also aids in understanding the conditions that could support or inhibit life on exoplanets. By developing tools that allow scientists to analyze and predict space weather, I am contributing to the next generation of space exploration, where we will use our knowledge of the Sun to assess the habitability of distant worlds.

What is one thing you wish the public understood about your field of work?

One thing I wish the public understood about my field of work is the immense level of detail and precision that goes into working with data, especially in scientific research. Data isn’t just a collection of facts; it’s a critical asset that can shape the course of discoveries. The process requires careful observation, thorough analysis, and continuous monitoring to ensure the data’s accuracy and integrity. It’s not just about gathering information; it’s about understanding its subtleties, tracking its changes over time, and ensuring it’s robust enough for rigorous scientific inquiry. This work demands not only technical expertise but also an unwavering commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field. Much of what I do involves quietly, and often painstakingly, refining and validating data to make sure it’s ready for the next phase of research. It’s a highly detailed, yet vital part of the scientific process that often goes unnoticed, but without it, progress would be impossible.

What is one space mission that you are particularly excited about, and why?

I’m incredibly excited about the PUNCH mission, launched on March 11, 2025. PUNCH will provide the 3D images of the Sun’s corona and solar wind, which will be a huge advancement in solar and space weather research. This mission will significantly enhance space weather predictions, crucial for protecting satellite communications, power grids, and other space-based infrastructure. In my role at the Solar Data Analysis Center (SDAC), I support critical missions like Hinode, IRIS, SOHO, SDO, and STEREO. Hinode provides high-resolution imaging of the Sun’s outer layers, IRIS studies the Sun’s chromosphere and transition region, SOHO offers continuous monitoring of the Sun and solar wind. STEREO provides a unique view of the Sun, which enhances our understanding of solar activity and its impact on space weather. The Parker Solar Probe travels closer to the Sun than any spacecraft in history and studies the Sun's corona, solar wind, and magnetic fields. These missions generate large and varied datasets that are crucial for understanding solar behavior and predicting space weather events. My role involves ensuring the quality and completeness of these datasets, checking for gaps or inconsistencies, and maintaining the databases that store them. I also develop frontend applications to allow both internal teams and researchers to easily access and analyze this data. This is vital because accurate, real-time solar data is essential for forecasting space weather and mitigating its potential impacts on Earth’s infrastructure. As PUNCH data becomes available, I will continue to integrate this new dataset with those from Hinode, IRIS, SOHO, Parker Solar Probe, STEREO etc along with any upcoming solar missions. My work ensures that these datasets are accessible, complete, and ready for analysis, directly supporting the scientific community in advancing our understanding of solar phenomena and improving space weather forecasting.

Who inspires you?

I draw inspiration from a wide range of individuals who dedicate themselves to the betterment of society—humanitarians, scientists whose research directly supports community development, and visionary leaders who guide us toward new directions. These individuals, through their selfless commitment to progress and positive change, remind me of the immense impact we can have when we focus on something larger than personal gain. Their work constantly pushes me to strive for excellence in my own contributions, especially in my field of research and technology, where innovation can drive meaningful improvements in society. On a deeply personal level, my greatest source of inspiration comes from my family—particularly my husband. He is the one who lifts me up when I’m feeling low, reminding me of my strengths and encouraging me to press on, even when self-doubt creeps in. His belief in me and my abilities provides a constant source of motivation, and it’s because of his unwavering support that I can face challenges with renewed determination. My mother and mother-in-law have both been pillars of strength and inspiration, each supporting me with unwavering love and wisdom. My family’s love, resilience, and unshakable faith in my journey give me the confidence to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. Together, they remind me that success is not just about individual achievement, but about having a strong support system and a shared belief that we can make a difference. Their encouragement fuels my drive to give my best—not only for myself but for the future of those I serve through my work.