I was a data scientist at NASA. Here are 5 things to know before you enter the field as it evolves with AI.

Chris Mattmann

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Chris Mattmann, a 44-year-old data scientist from La Canada Flintridge, California, who previously served as NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's chief technology and innovation officer and division manager of artificial intelligence, analytics, and innovation organization. Mattmann spent nearly 24 years at NASA before joining UCLA in June 2024 as chief data and artificial intelligence officer. The following has been edited for length and clarity.