Page appointed director of NASA WV Space Grant Consortium, NASA WV EPSCoR

Melanie Page has been named the director of the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium and Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. (Submitted Photo)

The NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium and Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research program at West Virginia University, has named Melanie Page as its new director, effective August 1, 2021.

Story by Adrianne Uphold and Candy Cordwell

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Page has served as the associate vice president for creative and scholarly activities at WVU since 2013, and as a board representative for the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium and EPSCoR for eight years. She will continue to serve as associate vice president and will be replaced on the board by Duncan Lorimer, professor of physics and associate dean for research in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.  

“I am excited to step into this role for our state and to continue to build on Dr. Jaridi’s work," Page said. "It is certainly true in this case that he is a hard act to follow, but I look forward to working with everyone to continue to build on our successes.”

As director, she will work closely with the board and staff to ensure that program goals are met in an inclusive way while engaging students, teachers, faculty and other key stakeholders in promoting collaborative research that contributes to NASA’s goals and objectives. Meanwhile, she will oversee the continued expansion of the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium, EPSCoR and other NASA-funded projects. 

In 2017, Page attended the RockOn program at NASA Wallops, where she developed an intensified passion for bringing that experience to every student in West Virginia.  

“If you could see a rocket launch, there is nothing you wouldn't do for STEM,” Page said. 

Page succeeds Majid Jaridi, who has retired from his 30 years of service leading the organization. 

“Dr. Page is a skilled and passionate leader who has demonstrated expertise in promoting STEM education and building out research infrastructure—both of which are key to innovation that leads to economic development,” said TechConnect Executive Director Anne Barth. “She is well-positioned to lead these efforts in West Virginia, especially now as we are seeing steady growth in the tech sector.” 

West Virginia Space Grant Consortium and NASA EPSCoR is housed in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. The board is composed of 12 affiliates with a broad range of expertise from across the Mountain State, representing academic affiliate partners as well as the for-profit and non-profit industry, who are committed to bringing the fruits of NASA’s research and outreach to all the citizens of West Virginia. 

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