Seven STEM students from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff had an exciting opportunity. They went to the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in The Woodlands, Texas, from March 11 to 15. This was part of the NASA Here to Observe (H2O) program.
NASA refers to these students as Student Observers. The group from UAPB included Alexandria Collins, Makenzi Evans, Journee Greed, Jude Kearney, Elyse Wafer, Maya Woods, and Mia Woods. Leading the H2O initiative at UAPB is Miah Muhammad Adel. He teaches physics, astronomy, and environmental science.
The H2O program offers students a unique blend of experiences. They get to attend a scientific conference, visit a NASA center, and even receive scholarships.
After the conference, the plan was for the UAPB Student Observers to head to the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. UAPB has also collaborated with NASA on the LUCY mission. This mission, which launched on October 6, 2021, aims to study the asteroid 152830 Dinkinesh, affectionately known as “Dinky.”
UAPB is among six institutions that have partnered with NASA’s Planetary Science Division’s H2O program. This funding and partnership are set to last five years. The recruitment for the UAPB H2O program began in fall 2023, starting with 12 STEM students. By spring 2024, seven students continued in the program.
The H2O program is rich in both virtual and in-person activities. Besides their exciting trips and scholarships, Student Observers also engage in weekly NASA science lectures online. These lectures, lasting one to two hours, are scheduled not to interfere with the students’ studies or work.
Miah Muhammad Adel shared that the program aims to recruit 10-12 students each year from STEM fields. This opportunity is also open to high school students aspiring to enter STEM fields at UAPB. There’s even a plan to offer 1.00 credit hour for Student Observers by the end of the academic year.
For more details, you can reach out to Miah M. Adel, Ph.D., at (870) 575-8788 or via email.