ISS National Lab Selects Illinois Graduate Student as the 2023 James A. Abrahamson Space Leader Fellow
S115-E-05753 (12 Sept. 2006) --- Astronaut Joseph R. Tanner, STS-115 mission specialist, waves toward the digital still camera of his space walk colleague, astronaut Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper as the two share extravehicular activity (EVA) duties during the first of three scheduled spacewalks. The STS-115 astronauts and the Expedition 13 crew members are joining efforts this week to resume construction of the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER (FL), January 12, 2024 – A college student pursuing a Ph.D. in physical sciences was selected as the International Space Station (ISSInternational Space Station) National Laboratory’s 2023 James A. Abrahamson Space Leader Fellow. The 12-month advanced learning experience is sponsored by the ISS National Lab through the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS™(Abbreviation: CASIS™) The nonprofit organization that manages the ISS National Lab, which receives at least 50 percent of the U.S. research allocation on the International Space Station to facilitate research that benefits humanity (NASA manages the other 50% and focuses on research for space exploration purposes).).
As a fellow, Emma Green, a recent graduate of Illinois College and member of the university’s AERO-STEM Honors Program, will have the opportunity to hone the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in her pursuits of a career in aerospace. Throughout the program, she will work with both an ISS National Lab mentor and a subject matter expert in the aerospace industry.
“This is an exciting opportunity for this year’s fellow to work with space industry experts and learn more about this burgeoning community,” said Lt. Gen. James A. Abrahamson (USAF Ret.), former chair of the CASIS Board of Directors and former interim executive director at CASIS. “I hope that through this year of learning, she can build knowledge and lasting relationships that will stay with her through her entire professional career.”
Green was selected from a group of five semi-finalists based on her outstanding academic and extracurricular activities. As an honors student, she’s been able to serve in various roles as a tutor, laboratory assistant, and supplemental instructor, helping others realize their passion for science. She also had the opportunity to participate in a summer research program at the Technical University of Braunschweig in Germany.
“I’m incredibly excited and honored to be chosen for this fellowship,” said Green. “I think it will help me prepare for my Ph.D. program and improve my skill set by bolstering my communication skills and giving me more opportunities to work virtually, which were limited at my small college.”
While participating in the program, fellows are asked to propose a project they plan to work on. Green aims to focus on recycling space materials into useful products, such as 3D printing materials, food, fertilizer, water, and more. Serving as current president of the art club at her college, Green also hopes her two passions can combine as part of this fellowship. “One of my passions is visual art, so I’m hoping I can help create infographics that help explain this science to the public,” she said.
The fellowship is named in honor of Lt. Gen. James A. Abrahamson (USAF Ret.), who is widely regarded as one of the more distinguished and decorated military program leaders of the 20th century. Lt. Gen. Abrahamson began his military career as a fighter pilot in Vietnam and was ultimately selected for the Air Force’s Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program, which was later canceled. After his time as a pilot and astronaut candidate, Lt. Gen. Abrahamson rose through the ranks of the Air Force and NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration, including his assignment as NASA’s Associate Administrator for Space Flight. Additionally, in 1984, President Reagan appointed Lt. Gen. Abrahamson as the first director of the Strategic Defense Initiative—known as the “Star Wars Program”—until he retired from service in 1989.
The ISS National Lab team would like to congratulate Green on her selection as the 2023 James A. Abrahamson Space Leader Fellow and looks forward to a year of working together.
Download the high-resolution image for this release: 2023 James
A. Abrahamson Space Leader Fellow Emma Green
Media Contact:
Patrick O’Neill
904-806-0035
PONeill@ISSNationalLab.org
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About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory: The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit(Abbreviation: LEO) The orbit around the Earth that extends up to an altitude of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Earth’s surface. The International Space Station’s orbit is in LEO, at an altitude of approximately 250 miles.. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS™) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative AgreementA cooperative agreement is Federal assistance that establishes a relationship between the U.S. Government and a recipient in which the principal purpose of the relationship is to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation. Since 2011, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS™) has managed the National Laboratory® through a Cooperative Agreement with NASA. with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment. research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website.
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