Elsayed Talaat

Dr. Elsayed Talaat is a prominent figure in space weather and atmospheric sciences. As of January 2025, he holds the position of President and CEO of Universities Space Research Association (USRA), a role he assumed following a comprehensive national search.1

Prior to his appointment at USRA, Dr. Talaat served as the Director of the Office of Space Weather Observations at NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS).12 In this capacity, he oversaw the development, acquisition, and integration of major system elements for NOAA's environmental satellite programs.1

Dr. Talaat's career includes significant contributions to NASA, where he was the Chief Scientist for the Heliophysics Division at NASA Headquarters.1 He also worked at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, supervising the Earth and Planetary Atmospheres Section.1

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering from the University of Washington
• Master's and Doctorate in Atmospheric and Space Sciences from the University of Michigan1

Dr. Talaat has authored or co-authored over 60 journal articles and contributed to more than 250 conference presentations, demonstrating his extensive expertise in the field.1

It's worth noting that while the query mentions his role as Director of the Office of Projects, Planning, and Analysis at NOAA, the most recent information indicates he has moved on to a more senior position at USRA.1