Michael Braukus
Headquarters, Washington, DC                   June 6, 1997
(Phone: 202/358-1979)

RELEASE:  97-124

NASA NAMES SCIENCE HEAD

     Arnauld E. Nicogossian, M.D., has been named Associate 
Administrator for NASAÕs Office of Life and Microgravity Sciences 
and Applications by NASA Administrator 
Daniel S. Goldin.  Dr. Nicogossian has been the acting associate 
administrator for the office since May 1996.

     As Associate Administrator Dr. Nicogossian manages a national 
and international program in research and development.  Focus 
areas include life sciences, life support technology, 
biotechnology, materials sciences, aerospace medicine, 
occupational health and commercial programs, as they pertain to 
conducting experiments on the ground and in space.

     In addition to his work with NASA for more than 25 years, Dr. 
Nicogossian has held an academic position since 1977 as an 
assistant professor, Department of Preventive Medicine, Uniformed 
Services University of Health Sciences, Washington, DC.  A 
diplomate of the American Board of Preventive Medicine, he also is 
a fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine, American 
College of Physicians, Aerospace Medical Association and the 
American Astronautical Society.

     Dr. Nicogossian has received numerous honors and awards 
including:  NASA Distinguished Service Award; NASA Contribution 
and Invention Award; Presidential Letter of Commendation for 
Community Services; S.P. Korolev Medal from the Russian Federation 
of Cosmonautics; W. Randolph Lovelace II Award, American 
Astronautical Society; and International Academy of Astronautics 
Life Sciences Book Award.

     An author of more than forty scientific articles and a 
contributor to more than ten books, he received his medical degree 
from Teheran University, did a residency in internal medicine at 
Mount Sinai Hospital Services, Elmhurst, NY, and received a Master 
of Science Degree from Ohio State University.

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