Surprisingly STEM Monthly Career Exploration
Surprisingly STEM is a video series that highlights exciting and unexpected careers at NASA. Each episode highlights a member of NASA’s workforce, focusing on their unique job and how their personal journey led them to that career. The purpose of the series is to inform students about the broad range of career opportunities at NASA – outside of the typical associations of rocket scientists and astronauts – and to break down perceived barriers for working at the agency.
Surprisingly STEM includes:
A monthly release of new pre-recorded 5-minute career episode
Associated STEAM Activities
Monthly Live Session with NASA expert to answer student questions
Upcoming Sessions
Space Food Scientist - Xulei Wu
Learn how NASA trains astronauts for dining in space and what solutions Xulei Wu and other food scientists have cooked up to meet the challenges of eating in a microgravity environment.
Astronaut Strength and Conditioning Coaches - Corey Twine and Christi Keeler
Maintaining good health and fitness is critical for humans living and working in space. Cory Twine and Christi Keeler share how strength and conditioning coaches like them train astronauts on how to exercise on the International Space Station. Register here for a Live Q&A on March 14 at 5:00 PM ET
Space Plant Scientist - Dr. Gioia Massa
Growing fresh food in space is a necessity for sending humans on long-duration missions into deep space. Dr. Gioia Massa explains the importance of space crop production, from health and nutrition to psychological benefits. Register here for a Live Q&A on April 18 at 5:00 PM ET
Space Waste Engineer - Dr. Annie Meier
When humans travel to space, they have to maximize the resources they bring with them. Learn how NASA engineers like Annie Meier are working on innovative ways to reuse space waste. Register here for a live Q&A on May 16 at 4:00 PM ET
