Dr. Robert O. Shelton is Manager of the Technology Branch in the Education Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. He earned his B.A. in Mathematics from Rice University in 1971 and his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Rice University in 1975. He also completed postdoctoral work at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.

At Johnson Space Center, Dr. Shelton has led work in digital learning, web applications, simulations, and graphics. He has served as Lead Scientist for the Engineering Orbital Dynamics and SIM Team Simulations and Graphics Branch and has contributed to the development of innovative educational and research technologies at NASA.

His research interests include intelligent systems, neural networks, and accessible software design for students with vision or perception disabilities. He developed the Math Description Engine (MDE), a tool that uses rule-based and computational intelligence methods to analyze and describe equations and data in more accessible formats. He also developed NETS, an artificial intelligence software program for the development and evaluation of neural networks.

Dr. Shelton has received numerous honors for his research and innovation, including the Tech Museum Award for Technology Benefiting Humanity, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the NASA Software Award, the National Business & Disability Council Award of Honor, and the Johnson Space Center Director’s Innovation Award. He is the author of nearly 100 publications and holds two patents.

In addition to his research contributions, Dr. Shelton has developed software tools for students, researchers, and educators, including ILIAD, NASA Qwhiz, and ROVer Ranch.