Scientist Leaves NASA for Canada Amid Political Shifts

After more than seven years at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, Danielle Simkus has returned to her hometown of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. Her departure, effective July 15, 2024, was influenced by significant political changes and funding cuts during the presidency of Donald Trump.

Simkus, 36, began her career at NASA in 2018, initially as a postdoctoral researcher before advancing to a research scientist role in the Astrobiology Analytical Lab. Despite her achievements, she described her last months at NASA as a “grim” experience, noting that diversity programs were dismantled and budgets significantly reduced.

Shifting Landscape at NASA

During her tenure, Simkus witnessed a dramatic shift in the organizational culture at NASA. “On inauguration day, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs were torn down,” she explained. She further noted that morale plummeted when discussions of potential funding cuts—up to 50%—emerged, causing widespread uncertainty among researchers. “Everyone was either leaving or completely unsure about whether they would have a job going forward,” she stated.

Although her own position was not immediately at risk, the future of her lab, which consisted of twelve researchers, became increasingly precarious. Some senior members left, exacerbating the concerns among early-career scientists. “All the early career people are just feeling very worried for their futures,” she remarked.

The environment of fear extended beyond job security. Researchers began censoring diversity language in their work, fearing repercussions in an increasingly hostile climate. “It was clear that we needed to leave,” Simkus said. By early 2024, escalating tariff policies targeting Canadian imports added tension to an already strained relationship between the U.S. and Canada.

A New Chapter in Canada

Simkus and her husband began contemplating their daughter’s future, reinforcing their decision to return to Canada. “We really need to get her to Canada,” she said, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment for their family.

Despite the challenges, Simkus expressed admiration for her colleagues at NASA, describing them as “amazing” and noting that the community had always been inclusive, even during testing times. “This is happening at such a high level,” she added, reflecting on the broader implications of the political climate on scientific research.

Upon her return to Niagara-on-the-Lake, family ties eased the transition. Her parents have owned a home in the area for 15 years, which she considers her “home away from home.” Within weeks of relocating, Simkus secured a position at Queen’s University as a research projects advisor, where she will assist faculty in developing research proposals and securing funding.

“We’ll be moving there in the next few weeks,” she confirmed, emphasizing that Canada is now the focus of her professional and personal life. As Simkus embarks on this new chapter, her experience highlights the profound impact of political decisions on scientific communities and the personal journeys of those within them.