Next Generation of Planetary Scientists Learn Public Engagement Skills
FORCE is a world-class laboratory that uses high-pressure experimental equipment to recreate the extreme conditions found deep within Earth and other planetary bodies, enabling researchers to better understand how planets form, evolve, and behave under immense pressures. The post Next Generation of Planetary Scientists Learn Public Engagement Skills appeared first on NASA Science .
The NASA Science Mission Directorate's Community of Practice for Education (SCoPE) recently collaborated with Arizona State University's Facility for Open Research in a Compressed Environment (FORCE) Summer School to train seven undergraduate planetary science interns in public engagement skills. This partnership aimed to equip the young scientists with essential communication abilities to share their research with diverse audiences.
During the two-day workshop in June, SCoPE facilitated workshops focused on identifying key research themes, crafting clear messages, planning interactions with non-expert visitors, and planning outreach logistics. Participants received guidance on poster preparation and individual outreach setups.
The training culminated in two public outreach events. The FORCE Open House attracted around 50 community members, who toured the high-pressure laboratory and interacted with the interns at themed stations. These stations simplified the science behind the experiments, making the research accessible and engaging.
At a second event, a poster session for ASU faculty, staff, and students allowed the interns to present their findings to university peers. This provided an opportunity for the interns to discuss their scientific work, receive feedback on their presentations, and strengthen connections between advanced planetary science and the communities they serve.
By integrating communication training into the Summer School, SCoPE empowered the next generation of planetary scientists to confidently engage both scientific peers and the public. The outreach experiences demonstrated how targeted communication training can enhance researchers' confidence and foster stronger ties between innovative planetary science and the communities it impacts.
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