Purdue professor to lead NASA division

NASA is tapping a Purdue professor to head its Space Life and Physical Sciences Research and Applications Division.

Marshall Porterfield is taking a leave of absence from his job on the West Lafayette campus for the new position.

He teaches agricultural and biological engineering and biomedical engineering.

His work with NASA is to serve as a liaison and oversee four programs.  It’s expected to span between two and three years.

Porterfield says he will return to Purdue periodically to work with graduate students.