astrophysics data system
Announcing Our New NASA SciX Lead Ambassadors
Stephanie Jarmak (ADS/SciX Planetary Science Project Scientist)
03 May 2024
Announcing Our New NASA SciX Lead Ambassadors
Welcome to an exciting milestone in the SciX Ambassador Program! We’re thrilled to introduce our newly selected NASA SciX Lead Ambassadors for the 2024-2026 and 2025-2027 cohorts. These exceptional individuals will spearhead community engagement and promote interdisciplinary collaboration within the NASA SciX community.
Selected Lead Ambassadors for the 2024 - 2026 Cohort
These diverse leaders from multiple scientific disciplines have been chosen because of their passion for open science and engaging communities. They represent the best of our community and are committed to furthering the mission of NASA SciX in their respective fields. Our first cohort of Lead Ambassadors is
- Simon Anghel: In his current position at the Astronomical Institute of the Romanian Academy, Simon primarily focuses on the physical properties and evolutionary processes of minor bodies such as meteoroids, comets, and asteroids
- Thom Chaffee: Through his research at Stanford on planetary science and paleomagnetism, Thom is bridging important gaps in our understanding of the lunar magnetic field and emphasizing the importance of open science in education.
- Yueyi Che: As a glaciologist at Stanford, Yueyi's explorations into glacier dynamics are crucial for understanding climate impacts while she makes her science accessible to a wide audience through music and art.
- Chenyue Jiao: A doctoral student with a focus on the value of research data in earth science, Chenyue's work is pivotal in shaping scientific practices and policies.
- Gwyneth Hutchinson: Combining her expertise in bioengineering and biosecurity research at UC Berkeley with her active community involvement, Gwyneth is a leader in advancing human health and safety sciences.
- Sarah Lamm: A geologist focusing on Martian analog materials, Sarah's integrative approach combines chemistry, geology, and spectroscopy, enriching our understanding of Martian geology.
- Vincent Ledvina: Known for his dedication to public engagement in space weather research, Vincent's work and outreach activities have captivated hundreds of thousands, enhancing public literacy in space phenomena.
- Manuel Pichardo Marcano: Manuel's work in astrophysics at Vanderbilt University highlights his deep commitment to exploring stellar phenomena and contributing to the field of multi-messenger astronomy.
- Amirhosein Mousavi: A Lead Research Data Scientist committed to leveraging digital technologies for sustainability and climate action, Amir has a strong background in earth science and inspiring new audiences to engage with science.
- Anand “Sunny” Narayanan: With a rich background in space and medical physiology and a history of NASA collaborations, Sunny brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to the ambassador role and mentoring others interested in human space exploration.
- Tieza Mica Santos: Her interdisciplinary expertise in climate change, sustainability, and public policy drives Tieza's work as a research fellow in Dresden Leibniz Graduate School at the Technische Universität Dresden, making significant contributions to environmental governance and systems transformation.
- Olivia Wilkins: An astrochemist at Dickinson College, Olivia's blend of rigorous scientific research and dedication to science communication enriches her role as an ambassador, fostering a deeper public connection with astrochemistry.
Selected Lead Ambassadors for the 2025 - 2027 Cohort
In addition to the first group of NASA SciX Ambassadors, we have also selected a second cohort of individuals who will join the program from 2025-2027. The two cohorts will overlap in 2025, allowing for mentorship and information exchange to occur between the two groups. These selected individuals include,
- Anna Cammaro: Founder & CEO of a space advocacy firm, dedicated to bridging educational gaps in the global space sector.
- Saswati Das: A scientist specializing in conservation paleobiology, focusing on the intersection of ecology, biology, and geology.
- Murti Nauth: A doctoral candidate at the forefront of studying interactions between the solar and Martian magnetic fields to constrain exoplanet habitability.
- Cielo Sharkus: A doctoral candidate addressing climate change impacts on local and national levels, with a focus on sustainable adaptation strategies.
- Keith Siew: A researcher whose work spans the realms of physiology and innovative technology and which benefits from open science.
Overview of Planned Activities
Our Lead Ambassadors are gearing up for a dynamic schedule of activities designed to foster collaboration and community growth. Key events include:
- A foundational workshop at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian from August 21 - 23, 2024, focused on training to share NASA SciX with their communities, developing our overall Ambassador Program, networking with the NASA SciX team and fellow ambassadors, and producing materials that will aid further community engagement.
- Monthly community calls to discuss progress, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
- Engagement in high-visibility events to represent and promote NASA SciX initiatives.
The ambassadors are entrusted with several crucial responsibilities:
- Facilitating a robust network among their cohort and the broader NASA SciX community.
- Engaging with their local and professional communities to promote the values and goals of NASA SciX.
- Contributing to the NASA SciX blog and online forums, sharing their insights and experiences.
Engagement Opportunities for the Community
We encourage all members of our community to engage with our Lead Ambassadors. Visit the ambassador page for detailed biographies and contact information, and join us at upcoming events to interact directly with these leaders. The selection of these Lead Ambassadors marks a significant step forward in our mission to forge a stronger, more connected NASA SciX community. Their diverse backgrounds and dedicated efforts will undoubtedly lead to a richer, more inclusive environment for our user community. Stay tuned to our blog and monthly updates to follow their journeys and achievements.