As our bus pulled into the security checkpoint at NASA’s Langley Research Center (LaRC) Monday morning, one could almost feel the student's excitement. For many of the scholars, it would be their first time at LaRC and the prospects of working with scientists was at once intimidating and exhilarating. After a quick breakfast at the Langley Research Center cafeteria, the students were welcomed by Rosemary Baize, Deputy Director of the NASA LaRC Science Directorate. Baize explained how the Science Directorate at Langley explored Earth science, and also discussed ways in which students could remain involved with NASA after the VESSS Summer Academy. One opportunity is the NASA DEVELOP program, which uses data collected by NASA to solve real world problems. Recently, the DEVELOP researchers used temperature and climate data to help Virginia apple-growers select heat-resistant trees for their newly planted orchards.
Baize also encouraged students to look for three types of relationships in their professional experiences, explaining the importance of having helpful mentors, advisors, and sponsors. After all, Baize noted, “We can only reach our full potential if we surround ourselves with excellence.”
Dr. William Moore of Hampton University, an expert in Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, also spoke with the scholars, stressing that the students needed to adopt a big-picture perspective to solve the problems facing the planet today.
After lunch, the scholars worked on their missions and had the opportunity to meet the NASA scientists, industry experts, and professors who will serve as their mentors for the week.
Positions for each team’s mission were also announced. The full rosters are presented below.
Baize also encouraged students to look for three types of relationships in their professional experiences, explaining the importance of having helpful mentors, advisors, and sponsors. After all, Baize noted, “We can only reach our full potential if we surround ourselves with excellence.”
Dr. William Moore of Hampton University, an expert in Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, also spoke with the scholars, stressing that the students needed to adopt a big-picture perspective to solve the problems facing the planet today.
After lunch, the scholars worked on their missions and had the opportunity to meet the NASA scientists, industry experts, and professors who will serve as their mentors for the week.
Positions for each team’s mission were also announced. The full rosters are presented below.
Atmosphere
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Biosphere
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Hydrosphere
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Lithosphere
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