2019 STARS Hall of Fame

Heidi Poppelreiter Parris

NASA Scientist & Flight Controller

Green Oaks ES | Arcade MS | Casa Roble HS

Inspired by the night sky from a young age, Heidi Poppelreiter Parris has turned childhood wonder into a career advancing science in space. A NASA engineer and International Space Station (ISS) flight controller, Heidi has led real-time spacecraft navigation and collaborated with international partners to ensure the safe delivery of crew, cargo, and research to the ISS.

After studying physics and astronomy at Sac State, she earned a degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering from Purdue, specializing in orbital mechanics. Today, she works with global researchers to expand the scientific impact of the ISS—helping unlock discoveries that benefit humanity.