Mark A. Parsons

Mark A. Parsons is a Research Scientist and geographer at the University of Alabama in Huntsville working to help align data, software, and information standards and processes across NASA’s science divisions. Mark has more than 25 years of experience in researching and developing data stewardship policies, practices, and systems. He has repeatedly and effectively built dynamic, functional collaborations across all sorts of differences in language and professional cultures. Mark was the first Secretary General of the Research Data Alliance. He has helped coordinated stewardship of a broad range of data from satellite remote sensing to Indigenous knowledge of Arctic change. He led the data management effort for the International Polar Year and helped establish the Exchange for Local Observations and Knowledge of the Arctic (ELOKA). His published work has guided national data policies and practice and has contributed to educational programs. Mark lives in Colorado and likes to ride bicycles, bake bread, and play outside.