Staff

Deborah Duerbeck Parr holds an M.S. in Art Conservation from the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation, where she studied the conservation of wood and paintings. Prior to that, she earned a B.A.

Michael A. Persaud is a Digital Content Specialist at the National Air and Space Museum. He holds a Master of Arts and two Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and film production, respectively.

Dr. Sharon Wilson Purdy is a Research Geologist in the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies who is interested in the landscape evolution of Mars.

Dr. Amanda Rudolph is a Postdoctoral Research Geologist in the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies. She earned her Associate of Science Degree at Seattle Central Community College in 2016, her Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in 2018, and her PhD in Planetary Science in 2023.

Carolyn Russo is the curator of the art collection, trophy collection, and temporary curator of the poster collection in her capacity as a museum specialist. She is the lead curator of the art gallery and is planning upcoming art exhibitions for its anticipated reopening in 2026.

Erik Satrum began work in the position of Chief Registrar at the National Air and Space Museum in 2009. In this role he manages the operations of the Registration team. During his tenure he has modernized procedures for loan management, deaccession transfers, and data management.

Dr. Matthew Shindell is a historian of science whose work focuses on the history of the earth and planetary sciences, with an emphasis on the development of research programs in these fields during the Cold War.

Marc Sklar is the director of Communications leading a team providing communications and marketing support to the Museum in Washington, DC, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, and the Paul E. Garber Facility in Suitland, Maryland.

Sofia Soto Sugar serves as a Program Coordinator in the Education Department, coordinating logistics and supporting content creation for a variety of digital and in-person public events including lectures, family days, and the young professional satellite brand, AirSpace.

Dr. Alex M Spencer curates two collections at the museum: British and European military aircraft and military flight material.