Rocket Science Isn’t Just for the Pros: ISSRDC Showcases STEM Education Events for Our Future Workforce in Space

The 11^th annual International Space Station Research and Development Conference(Abbreviation: ISSRDC) The only conference dedicated exclusively to showcasing how the International Space Station is advancing science and technology and enabling a robust and sustainable market in LEO. This annual conference brings together leaders from the commercial sector, U.S. government agencies, and academic communities to foster innovation and discovery onboard the space station. ISSRDC is hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, manager of the ISS National Lab; NASA; and the American Astronautical Society. (ISSRDC), being held in Washington, D.C., July 25-28, will focus on a decade of results from research carried out on the International Space Station (ISSInternational Space Station). Some of this research is led by students who design pioneering experiments leveraging the ISS and even publish their results, advancing science both in space and on the ground. ISSRDC 2022 provides multiple opportunities to discover how the ISS not only serves as a cutting-edge laboratory in space but also as an incredible learning platform that can inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

During ISSRDC, educators and other attendees can participate in a variety of events focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. On Day 1 of the conference, attendees will have an opportunity to hear from the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education, Cindy Marten, who will deliver a keynote address. Marten has a distinguished career in education spanning 32 years, during which she helped to increase graduation rates and championed award-winning policies for staff and students.

Day 3 of ISSRDC includes a panel discussion on how “Inspiration Drives Results Through STEM Education and Outreach.” Moderated by Maynard Okereke, founder of Hip Hop Science, the discussion will focus on how those inspired through STEM opportunities go on to inspire others. The panelists include:

• Quincy Brown, Program Director, STEM Education Research, Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)
• Alex Dainis, Owner, Helicase Media, LLC & Genes in SpaceAn annual national research competition for students in grades 7 through 12 to design pioneering biotechnology experiments that are conducted by astronauts on the space station. The program is funded by Boeing and miniPCR bio and supported by the ISS National Laboratory® and New England BioLabs. Partner
• Victor Glover, NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut

Also on Day 3, the ISS National Lab will present three educators with awards for excellence in STEM education. These educators have done outstanding work engaging students in ISS National Lab Space Station Explorers educational partner programs and helping other educators bring ISS-related activities into their classrooms. Later that afternoon, the winner of the 2022 Genes in Space student research competition will be announced, rounding out an exciting day of STEM-related events.

Additionally, ahead of the conference, the Educational Outreach subcommittee of the ISS National Lab User Advisory Committee(Abbreviation: UAC) A committee that provides CASIS with user input and perspective about the management of ISS National Lab resources. (UAC) will provide updates at the UAC meeting on July 25. There will also be STEM education technical sessions and a section of posters on display in the ISSRDC Marketplace Expo. Student researchers will be on hand to discuss their research at designated times during the conference. There will also be a STEM education exhibit space set up in the Expo, where representatives from ISS National Lab educational partner programs will be available.

ISSRDC is hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc., manager of the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory; NASA; and the American Astronautical Society. The conference will take place July 25-28, 2022, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.