Jessica Rousset serves as Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the Vice President for Research and Knowledge Enterprise at Arizona State University. In this role, she directs cross-disciplinary strategic efforts that foster research excellence in space exploration and translational health sciences, prioritizing societal impact and pathways to commercialization.
With more than two decades of experience spanning biomedical research, technology innovation, and the space sector, Jessica has developed and led programs that integrate academic research, industry engagement, and public outreach. At ASU, she has shaped vision and direction for multidisciplinary research, guided the Interplanetary Initiative, fostered partnerships with space industry leaders and government agencies, and launched educational programs that connect science, technology, and society.
Before joining ASU, Jessica served as Chief Operating Officer at a publicly traded drug delivery company, where she oversaw operational strategy, product pipeline expansion, and business development activities, including mergers and acquisitions and strategic partnerships. She previously established the Center for Innovation at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and co-founded ventures in the medical and biotechnology fields. She played a key role in launching a national pediatric technology accelerator funded by the FDA. Her work has driven the commercialization of medical technologies, the creation of interdisciplinary research programs, and the development of platforms for public discourse on the future of space and society.
Jessica's leadership philosophy is grounded in ethical innovation, mindful organizational culture, and a commitment to advancing inclusive and impactful technology solutions. Her recent activities include producing multimedia science communications projects, convening global dialogues on planetary futures, and mentoring emerging leaders in science and technology.
Education
- Master of Science in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA), Lyon, France
- Healthcare Leadership Academy Certificate in Healthcare Administration, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA