Derek Wang

As the Director of Communications and Operations for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), Derek Wang leads comprehensive communications and education outreach efforts that drive stakeholder engagement, shape strategy, and manage public and media representation to highlight the critical value of space technology investments to NASA’s exploration missions.

Over the past 20 years, Wang has been instrumental in establishing and implementing strategic communications goals at NASA. His work fosters collaboration across mission directorates and aligns messaging across the agency and with external partners. Prior to his current role, he served as Public Outreach Manager for STMD and held similar roles within the Office of the Chief Technologist and the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate.

In 2001, Wang started his NASA career at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center as a contractor working on exhibits and outreach. He joined NASA Headquarters in 2005, where he helped shape and establish the agency’s outreach program, with a strong focus on the value of scientific research and technology development. Throughout his career, Wang has planned and executed hundreds of public engagement events worldwide, reaching millions who have become advocates for U.S. space exploration.

Wang earned his bachelor’s degree in business marketing from the University of Alabama in 2000. Wang’s contributions to NASA’s strategic communications have earned him numerous prestigious awards. Among these is NASA’s Exceptional Achievement Medal, awarded for his visionary leadership in creating “First Woman”, NASA’s first interactive graphic novel. This groundbreaking project, which tells the story of a young woman’s dream to become the first woman on the Moon with the Artemis program, has reached a global audience and won multiple accolades, including the 2022 Webby Award for Best Integrated Mobile Experience and a People’s Choice Award.

Beyond “First Woman”, Wang’s work has been recognized with a regional Emmy award, the Communicator’s Award, and both Silver and National Addy awards for excellence in creative communications. His achievements also include a Webby Award for NASA Home and City, a digital experience that highlights the agency’s technological impacts in everyday life. Additionally, Wang’s innovative management and content creation contributions have led to several NASA group achievement awards, underscoring his role in advancing the agency’s mission through impactful storytelling and outreach.