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<\/a><\/figure>Harrington works in NASA\u2019s Astromaterials Research and Exploration Sciences Division, or ARES, at Johnson Space Center in Houston, where she integrates curation, science, engineering, and planetary protection strategies into the design and operation of new laboratory facilities and sample handling systems. She also helps ensure that current and future sample collections\u2014from lunar missions to asteroid returns\u2014are handled with scientific precision and preserved for long-term study. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI am charged with protecting the samples from Earth\u2014and protecting Earth from the restricted samples,\u201d Harrington said. This role requires collaboration across NASA centers, senior leadership, engineers, the scientific community, and international space exploration agencies.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With a multidisciplinary background in biology, planetary science, geochemistry, and toxicology, Harrington has become a key expert in developing the facility and contamination control requirements needed to safely preserve and study sensitive extraterrestrial samples. She works closely with current and future curators to improve operational practices and inform laboratory specifications\u2014efforts that will directly support future lunar missions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/figure>Her work has already made a lasting impact. She helped develop technologies such as a clean closure system to reduce contamination during sample handling and ultraclean, three-chamber inert isolation cabinets. These systems have become standard equipment and are used for preserving samples from missions like OSIRIS-REx<\/a> and Hayabusa2<\/a>. They have also supported the successful processing of sensitive Apollo samples through the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis Program<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n In addition to technology development, Harrington co-led the assessment of high-containment and pristine facilities to inform future technology and infrastructural requirements for Restricted Earth Returns, critical for sample returns Mars, Europa, and Enceladus.<\/p>\n Harrington\u2019s leadership, vision, and technical contribution have reached beyond ARES and have earned her two Director\u2019s Commendations. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe experiences I have acquired at NASA have rounded out my background even more and have provided me with a greater breadth of knowledge to draw upon and then piece together,\u201d said Harrington. \u201cI have learned to trust my instincts since they have allowed me to quickly assess and effectively troubleshoot problems on numerous occasions.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Harrington also serves as the Advanced Curation Medical Geology lead. She and her team are pioneering new exposure techniques that require significantly less sample material to evaluate potential health risks of astromaterials.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Her team is studying a range of astromaterial samples and analogues to identify which components may trigger the strongest inflammatory responses, or whether multiple factors are at play. Identifying the sources of inflammation can help scientists assess the potential hazards of handling materials from different planetary bodies, guide decisions about protective equipment for sample processors and curators, and may eventually support astronaut safety on future missions.\u00a0<\/p>\n Harrington also spearheaded a Space Act Agreement to build a science platform on the International Space Station that will enable planetary science and human health experiments in microgravity, advancing both human spaceflight and planetary protection goals. <\/p>\n Harrington credits her NASA career for deepening her appreciation of the power of communication. \u201cThe ability to truly listen and hear other people\u2019s perspectives is just as important as the ability to deliver a message or convey an idea,\u201d she said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Her passion for space science is rooted in purpose. \u201cWhat drew me to NASA is the premise that what I would be doing was not just for myself, but for the benefit of all,\u201d she said. \u201cAlthough I am personally passionate about the work I am doing, the fact that the ultimate goal is to enable the fulfillment of those passions for generations of space scientists and explorers to come is quite inspiring.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/a><\/figure><\/a><\/figure>