NASA Ames Stars of the Month: November 2026

NASA Ames Science Directorate honors three exceptional individuals in their November 2026 Stars of the Month feature. Alyssa Villanueva, Steve Howell, and Samuel LeBlanc each exemplify the spirit of innovation, technical expertise, and collaboration essential for NASA's mission of exploration.

Alyssa Villanueva, an engineer at Blue Marble in the Space Biosciences Division, is celebrated for her technical excellence and unwavering dedication to the team. Her commitment to the Lunar Explorer Instrument for Space Biology Applications (LEIA) team is evident in her preparation and execution of engineering validation testing, ensuring the success of critical missions. Alyssa's efforts go beyond her duties, consistently supporting her colleagues and contributing to the overall success of the team.

Steve Howell stands out for his leadership in scientific teams for numerous international space missions. His pioneering work in astronomical instrumentation has significantly advanced both space- and ground-based telescope imaging capabilities. Steve's contributions have been so impactful that the Astronomical Society has honored him with the prestigious Catherine Wolfe Bruce Gold Medal, recognizing his lifetime of major contributions to the field.

Samuel LeBlanc, a research scientist at the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute, is recognized for his exceptional technical leadership and innovative thinking in advancing NASA's airborne science missions. Sam's work has positioned Ames as a leader in airborne science flight planning, enabling cost-effective missions that maximize scientific returns.

His contributions have placed Ames at the forefront of airborne science within and beyond the Agency, demonstrating his commitment to achieving scientific goals through innovative planning and execution.