SETI Institute
Donna R. has a diverse work experience spanning over several years. Donna is currently employed at the SETI Institute, where they hold the position of Associate Director of REU: Research Experience for Undergraduates since August 2022. Donna also serves as a Science Education Associate, a role they assumed in January 2022. Prior to these positions, Donna worked as an Education & Outreach Project Coordinator at SETI Institute from August 2019 to January 2022.
In 2015, Donna joined the Santa Clara Valley Science and Engineering Fair Association, where they became a member of the Board of Directors. Before that, they were self-employed, focusing on Product Innovation starting from 2003.
Donna's previous experience includes working at Handspring / Palm Computing as an Engineering Program Manager from 2000 to 2003. In this role, they led cross-functional teams and managed project schedules and budgets for the development and launch of handheld mobile devices, PDAs, and cellphone products.
Prior to their time at Handspring / Palm Computing, Donna founded and worked at Medlog, Inc. as a Founder / Engineering Development professional from 1998 to 2000. Donna also gained valuable experience as a Circuit Design Engineer at Phillips Electronics from 1994 to 1998 and at Sun Labs, Sun Microsystems (SMLI) (now Oracle) from 1991 to 1994.
Donna R. has displayed expertise in various areas, including project management, engineering, education, and outreach throughout their career.
Donna R. attended Portland State University from 1981 to 1986, where they obtained a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Biology. Following this, they pursued further education at Stanford Continuing Studies, specializing in Small Business Administration/Management. Additionally, they completed a Continuing Education program at the University of London, with a field of study in Research and Development Management.
SETI Institute
The SETI Institute is a non-profit research organization, located in the Silicon Valley close to the NASA Ames Research Center. Our mission is to lead humanity's quest to understand the origins and prevalence of life and intelligence in the universe and share that knowledge with the world. The SETI Institute is committed to respecting values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) and creating and maintaining a positive and nurturing work environment that promotes mutual respect, trust, fairness, and objectivity. We strive to provide professional and personal growth to every individual regardless of race, color, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. As a group of talented scientists, engineers, educators, and professionals, it is our belief that a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace is critical to accomplishing the Institute’s mission, and ensuring that we follow our values and principles.