ALT Why did you create the Cosmic Explorers Student group? With a growing number of underserved and underrepresented students leaving the astrophysics career fields, the purpose of this newly established group is to create a space for professional development of undergraduate and graduate students, exposing them to programmatic structures aligned with animating the science engaging with the broader NASA astrophysics research community. This will provide an opportunity to inspire, prepare, and in turn retain needed talent for future employment in Space STEM.

ALT What is the Cosmic Chatter Roundtable? The Cosmic Chatter roundtable discussions will take on an informal fireside chat format offering a “NASA endorsed” space for students to put further emphasis on their immediate needs for professional growth and development. A list of invited speakers for these roundtable discussions will be maintained that will include a variety of professionals and industry representatives that cover the following topics listed: imposter syndrome, career navigation, conference participation, cultural inclusivity, and accessibility.

ALT What can I do in the Cosmic Explorers Student Group? The Cosmic Explorers Student Group will have a series of roundtable discussions that put emphasis on prominent issues and boundaries that students face in today’s professional landscape across STEM. Other activities include mentorship, astrophysics data hack-a-thons, graduate school prep workshops, and networking opportunities at conferences. Student members will also have an opportunity to gain insights into their career navigation, scientific skills development, and methods for overcoming IMPOSTOR SYNDROME.

ALT Who can join the Cosmic Explorers Student Group? Any undergraduate & graduate students and early-careers (preceding post-doctoral positions) in STEM pathways. This includes current students and post-baccalaureates in industry, academic, federal, and state organizations across the country and beyond.  ...And yes, faculty and professionals can join as well with the understanding that this group is ENTIRELY for students.

ALT What is the Cosmic Explorers Student Group? The Cosmic Explorers Science Interest Group (COR:E SIG) has been established to address the needs of students in the field of astrophysics and space science, based on analyses of the Astro2020 decadal survey, NASA’s strategic plans, the AIP Team-Up report, and the White House OSTP Interagency Roadmap to Support Space-Related STEM Education and Workforce. Utilizing expertise in STEM education, this student-focused science interest group plans to be a conduit between undergraduate and graduate students and the activities of NASA Astrophysics and the Cosmic Origins/Physics of the Cosmos program offices.