Mary (Brownell) Bothwell (C’73), 2022

Mary Brownell Bothwell arrived at Principia College in the fall of 1969 with astronaut dreams, intellectual curiosity, and an unlimited attitude. She graduated in 1973 with a BS in physics and immediately began working at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, JPL for short.

During her 34-year astrophysics career at JPL, she participated in and managed the development of technology and scientific instrumentation for earth, planetary, and astrophysics missions. Her positions included Project Manager, Manager and Deputy Manager in the Observational Systems Division, and Technical Manager for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility. While serving as manager of the Observational Systems Division, she oversaw the work of more than 600 managers, engineers, and technicians working on as many as a dozen projects at any one time.

Mary was awarded NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal. This award is granted to U.S. government employees for significant sustained performance characterized by unusual initiative or creative abilities that clearly demonstrates substantial improvement in engineering, aeronautics, space flight, administration, support, or space-related endeavors which contribute to NASA programs.

In 2007, Mary left JPL to her pursue her dream of entering the Christian Science practice. A lifelong Christian Scientist, she completed Primary class instruction the summer after graduating from Principia. In 2008, she became a Journal-listed practitioner. Motivated to be of further service to the Cause of Christian Science and mankind, Mary attended Normal Class in 2012 and became a Christian Science Teacher.

She is a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship and is also active in her branch church. Mary’s ongoing support of Principia have included serving as President and Secretary of the Principia Club of San Gabriel, and she has traveled with Principia Lifelong Learning programs. Mary and her husband, Graham, reside in Pasadena, California.