Insights from the Stars: A Space Expert Roundup

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about the mysteries of the universe? Space exploration has fascinated humans for centuries, and with the advancement of technology, we are now able to uncover the secrets of the cosmos like never before. To gain a deeper understanding of space and the possibilities it holds, we have reached out to some of the most influential space experts and activists from around the world.

Alyssa Carson, Lorrane Olivlet, Susan Martinez, Taner Göçer, Danny Tjokrosetio, and Shamal Gharib are all experts in their respective fields and have dedicated their careers to studying and exploring space, as well as communicating space technology and the importance of it in our daily lives to general audience.

In this article, we will delve into some of the most pressing questions we asked these space experts. From questions to anyone who's interested in pursuing a space career to bridging the gap between the scientific community and the general public to foster greater engagement and interest in space exploration.

So, buckle up and get ready for an intergalactic journey in the field of space exploration.

Insights from the Star: Alyssa Carson

What advice do you have for beginners who are interested in pursuing a career in the space industry, and how can they prepare themselves for success?

Get involved in science and engineering activities

Alyssa recommends that beginners start by getting involved in science and engineering activities, such as robotics clubs, science fairs, or coding competitions. This can help develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, which are essential for success in the space industry.

Pursue a degree in a STEM field

Alyssa would also recommend pursuing a degree in a STEM field, such as physics, engineering, or computer science, to gain a strong foundation in the technical knowledge required for the space industry. It is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and advancements in the field.

Seek out internship opportunities

Alyssa would advise beginners to seek out internship opportunities at companies or organizations involved in space exploration. This can provide hands-on experience and an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the field.

Develop leadership and communication skills

In addition to technical skills, Alyssa would recommend developing leadership and communication skills, which are essential for success in any industry. These skills can be developed by participating in group projects, public speaking events, and volunteering in the community.

Stay committed and persevere

Finally, Alyssa would emphasize the importance of staying committed and persevering in the face of challenges and setbacks. Pursuing a career in the space industry requires dedication, hard work, and persistence, but it can also be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling for those who are passionate about the field.

How can we bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public to foster greater engagement and interest in space exploration?

Communicate science in a clear and engaging way

One of the biggest challenges in bridging the gap between the scientific community and the general public is communicating complex scientific concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging. Alyssa suggests that scientists and researchers should strive to communicate science in a clear, jargon-free language and use analogies and examples that are relatable to everyday life.

Leverage social media and other online platforms

Alyssa also suggests that scientists and researchers should use social media and other online platforms to connect with the public and share their work. Platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube can be used to share research findings, provide insights into the scientific process, and answer questions from the public.

Engage with the public through outreach programs

Alyssa is a strong believer that scientists and researchers should engage with the public through outreach programs, such as science fairs, museum exhibits, or public lectures. These events can provide an opportunity for the public to interact with scientists and researchers, learn about their work, and ask questions.

Collaborate with science communicators

Alyssa thinks that scientists and researchers should collaborate with science communicators, such as science journalists, bloggers, or podcasters, to help translate scientific findings into engaging stories and narratives that are accessible to the general public.

Highlight the relevance and impact of space exploration

Finally, Alyssa emphasizes the importance of highlighting the relevance and impact of space exploration on everyday life. Space exploration has led to numerous technological advancements and has contributed to our understanding of the universe and our place in it. By highlighting these benefits, we can help foster greater engagement and interest in space exploration among the general public.

Connect with Alyssa Carson on Instagram.

Insights from the Star: Danny Tjokrosetio

What advice do you have for beginners who are interested in pursuing a career in the space industry, and how can they prepare themselves for success?

First and foremost, follow your passion

Your personal road to the space industry may be a rocky one full of setbacks and challenges; passion is the key to unlocking the much-needed persistence to push through the trials you will face. Bear in mind that space is for everyone. Contrary to popular belief, it is multidisciplinary and not just limited to STEM subjects. Find what you excel at and are passionate about, whether it is science and technology, art and humanities, or entrepreneurship, then think about and research how you can utilize these skills and interests in the space sector. Second, be proactive and network, network, network!

The space industry is a comparatively small circle; it is almost certain that you will meet people who know people

Connecting with students, researchers, and industry professionals can unlock doors to new opportunities that you never dreamed possible. Attend space-related events near you, volunteer in local, worldwide, or online space organizations, and space conferences and workshops. Finally, keep yourself updated on recent space developments and industry trends - besides reading (reliable) online sources and books, attending such events will keep you well-informed!

Social media is an integral part of contemporary life; it is a dominant source of news and information for the general public

Space is unarguably a topic that sparks curiosity and captures the imagination of members of society. Space content nurtures and inspires this allure not only through aesthetics and picturesque visuals, but also breaks down abstract and complex topics, making the general public grasp information in a manner that is easier and more accessible than ever before. Unfortunately, in an era where information can be obtained and circulated in a flash of light, the rapid spread of misconceptions, "fake news", and sensationalistic articles sprinkled with unfactual clickbait headlines is also inevitable.

The existence of space content creators mitigates the virality of misinformation by debunking such sources with hard and factual evidence. Most importantly, social media holds immense power to tailor space education and awareness to various audiences. Space is made more engaging and appealing to the youth by injecting facts and information into popular social media trends and humorous memes. As social media keeps users connected around the world, representation and the presence of a diverse set of space content creators from a plethora of backgrounds make space more relatable to social media consumers from all walks of life, truly showcasing that space is for everyone and inspiring a variety of audiences through the visibility of diverse role models.

Connect with Danny Tjokrosetio on Instagram.

Insights from the Star: Lorrane Olivlet

What advice do you have for beginners who are interested in pursuing a career in the space industry, and how can they prepare themselves for success?

One of the factors that helped me a lot to get excited and get to know the space area in Brazil better was being surrounded by people working in the area. The country I live in still doesn't have a significant presence in the global aerospace sector, and besides, no Brazilian woman has made it into space. So being able to interact with the community and participate in international projects has helped me stand out in the area.

In what ways can content creation help raise awareness and educate the public about the importance of space exploration and its impact on society?

I live in a country where there is no space culture

Few Brazilians know or follow matters related to space, so it is essential that there are people who bring this information to people in a simple and quality way. The space sector is very attractive when well publicized, and opens doors for people to fall in love with science in general. So being able to contribute in this area and being the Brazilian woman who talks about the space with the most followers and engagement has been incredible and makes me very happy. My goal is to inspire and engage more and more people, especially women, in the space industry.

Connect with Lorrane Olivlet on Instagram.

Insights from the Star: Taner Göçer

How can we bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public to foster greater engagement and interest in space exploration?

The best solution for this is to have scientists speak in the language of the people and produce and publish content accordingly

The simple and understandable language of science can help everyone in the society to understand science more easily. Thus, even anyone who sees science as a useless pursuit can turn into a science-loving person when confronted with a well-spoken and fluent-speaking scientist who leads the masses. We have seen examples of this in the past, I think Carl Sagan can be cited as an example among the scientists who have applied it in the best way. To appear incomprehensible and closed on this issue is not an attitude befitting science, in my opinion. If the person who works for science can't explain his problem to a child, I see a problem there.

In addition, I think that channels such as Youtube and Instagram are a very convenient place on the internet for the public to reach science more easily. People may enter here for other purposes, but if we bring science to these platforms, we can make good use of the opportunity to bring them closer to science. Indeed, the increase in interest in science in recent years confirms what I have said. We should strive to make science narration more common on such platforms so that society can see the beauty of science more closely.

It can attract the attention of the public in any conference or live broadcast to be held on the internet with an expert in the field. The third solution, I think, becoming widespread more of science centers. If science centers become more throughout the world It will be better for children all around the world so they should be opened in any country in the world. Such places should multiply, investment and workforce in these areas should be increased and more work force should be created.

What skills do you think are essential for those interested in pursuing a career in space science communication or content creation?

I think the most important thing is that people find the person friendly and lovable

Another important aspect is trust. If the information the person gives is in accordance with the scientific method and its accuracy is reliable, the public will listen anyway. I also think that it is necessary to be patient and be a good speaker. I think someone who can't influence the masses will have a little less chance at this, but still, anyone who knows what people want can be successful at it. Having a master's or doctoral degree is also an advantage, but not mandatory. Even a student will be an excellent science communicator if he uses the factors above effectively I also think that taking an active role in teaching in schools is a great strength. The use of social media is also a powerful tool for the science communicator.

Connect with Taner Göçer on Instagram.

Insights from the Star: Susan Martinez

What advice do you have for beginners who are interested in pursuing a career in the space industry, and how can they prepare themselves for success?

The advice I wish I had gotten before I started pursuing my career - it’s never going to be easy but it will always worth it. I figured this out the hard way, my (second) junior year brought me incredibly close to quitting all together. It took actually taking a semester off to work at my NASA co-op to re-center myself to remind myself why I was doing this. This allowed me to see the bigger picture, focus on my end goal, not just the exam waiting for me at the end of the week or the semester.

My personal advice for how to succeed in STEM, especially as a woman in STEM is: no one can be you, so you have to show up as your authentic self 100% of the time. There is a REASON you feel called to STEM, that may be some passion, or a drive, or an inspiration but the point being is that if you feel called to STEM, you belong here! This means we need you to be you, because only YOU can be.

How do you believe space education can benefit individuals and society as a whole, and what are some of the most important skills and knowledge areas that space education can provide?

The pandemic took me to this space where I was excited to share my journey in STEM and I believe that STEM outreach and STEM education is not only important for the future but it is imperative. A huge part of my platform is stem and science, education, and my entire platform is based on SciComm. I truly believe the future of science, tech, engineering and math is in stem education. This generation that is about to become STEM majors then enter the work force are currently being inspired and educated on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, this is an incredible opportunity to use our voice, our audience, to really change the world and the future world that we will be living in.

Education provides knowledge and skills of course, but I think one of the most underrated things education gives us is confidence. Being sure of what we bring to the table and what we can provide to our employers and professors. I am seeing a lot of peers who have suffered from imposter syndrome, in ways this new generation isn’t suffering. I think a lot of that confidence comes from being educated and knowing their own worth. I am all for it! The amount of STEM outreach and emphasis on young women in STEM I believe has had a huge impact on this, I truly wish I had the opportunity to be exposed to STEM outreach in this way when I was younger, I often think about what kind of a difference if would’ve made to my career!

Connect with Susan Martinez on Instagram.

Insights from the Star: Shamal Gharib

How can we bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public to foster greater engagement and interest in space exploration?

The first thing that needs to be done is to explain the secrets of space in plain language, whether through conferences or workshops, and try to have good communication between the scientific community and ordinary people to easily transfer the information that happens in space.

In what ways can content creation help raise awareness and educate the public about the importance of space exploration and its impact on society?

I believe, the importance of space and its impact on our planet must be taught to ordinary people in simple language, and the importance of space must be taught from the school stages so that other generations pay more attention to these subjects.

Connect with Shamal Gharib on Instagram.

As we wrap up our space-themed article featuring the incredible space experts and communicators Alyssa Carson, Lorrane Olivlet, Susan Martinez, Taner Göçer, Danny Tjokrosetio, and Shamal Gharib, we can't help but feel inspired by their knowledge, passion, and dedication to exploring the vast and mysterious universe beyond our planet.

We hope it has sparked your curiosity about space and has inspired you to learn more about the exciting and constantly evolving field of space exploration. Who knows, perhaps one day you'll be the next space expert sharing your knowledge and passion for the universe with the world!