Joseph E. Pesce is an astrophysicist, educator, and government official who has spent his career exploring the universe and fostering the systems that help others do the same. Currently, he serves as a Program Director at the National Science Foundation, overseeing the nation’s portfolio of ground-based radio astronomy facilities (ALMA, VLA, VLBA). Alongside this role, he teaches at GMU and the University of Colorado Boulder.

Beyond research and leadership, Dr. Pesce is deeply committed to making science accessible. He regularly engage in public outreach—from media appearances and advising science fiction series and authors, to co-authoring STEM-based books for young readers. He sees science not just as a profession, but as a shared human endeavor, and he aims to inspire curiosity wherever he can.

In addition to his work in academia and government, Dr. Pesce founded and led a private-sector firm conducting consulting and educational activities.  He is a thought-leader in critical thinking and problem solving, with novel approaches to educating this material.

Dr. Pesce mentors individuals in all walks of life, and serves on the Board of the Presidents Leadership Class at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and is the Chair of the DC Regional Committee of Cambridge in America.

Dr. Pesce's other interests include interspecies communication, human cognition, psychology, history, and the arts. He's a lifelong science fiction enthusiast (with a special fondness for Star Trek!) and someone who finds joy in music, architecture, and all things British.