Laurie Leshin

Laurie Leshin
Leshin in 2023
10th Director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
In office
May 16, 2022 – June 1, 2025
Preceded byMichael M. Watkins
Larry D. James (interim)
Succeeded byDave Gallagher
16th President of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute
In office
June 1, 2014 – May 15, 2022
Preceded byDennis D. Berkey
Succeeded byGrace Wang
Personal details
EducationArizona State University (BS)
California Institute of Technology (MS, PhD)
AwardsNASA Distinguished Public Service Medal
NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal
Nier Prize

Laurie Leshin is an American scientist and academic administrator serving as the Bren Professor of Geochemistry and Planetary Science at California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Leshin previously served as the 10th Director of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and as Vice President of Caltech, the first woman to serve in those roles. Leshin's research has focused on geochemistry and space science. Prior to her time at JPL and Caltech, Leshin served as the 16th president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute.