Meet NSI: Heather Shocker, Principal Program Manager

Please meet Heather Shocker, Principal Program Manager for NSI. Throughout her career, Heather has supported the US Intelligence and Defense communities, and international allies, as an analyst, program manager and business development professional. 

Hi, thank you for chatting with us.

Thank you for asking me to participate.

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in Central Pennsylvania and went to a small school, Wilkes University, for undergrad. It was there I discovered a love of volcanoes – active ones – and pursued a Master’s in Geology at Michigan Technological University where I tracked volcanic ashclouds using remote sensing (satellite) sensors. This expertise took me to the Washington D.C. area where I supported national security issues as a remote sensing scientist and program manager large government programs. After 22 years in the D.C. area, I felt a pull to explore a different part of the country and moved to the Front Range. It was one of the best life decisions I’ve made – I love the area for hiking and nature, as well as the seemingly vastness of this region. It’s beautiful.

Q: What excites you about your current role in NSI?

The Principal Program Manager for NSI is a dynamic role – not only in supporting the management of work across the University that contributes to our country’s national security issues, but also to look for new opportunities to bolster and expand on this. I enjoy working with individuals within CU Boulder, and also across other universities and industry partners. We conduct important research that is then developed into tangible things which support topics of national security interest. It’s motivating to be a part of a cutting edge and innovative team.

Q: Thank you. Do you have anything else to add about NSI or your current goals/work?

I am very excited to be a part of this energetic and motivated team. I look forward to helping grow and expand the organization.