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By NASA
1 min read
Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)
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Transformational Advanced Energetic Propulsion
Omid Beik
Colorado School of Mines
Development of a MW-Scale High-Voltage Multiphase Dual-Rotor Generator and Rectifier for a PMAD in an NEP System Ognjen Ilic
University of Minnesota
Concept Demonstration of Directed Energy Propulsion with Metasurface Lightsails Kenshiro Oguri
Purdue University
Origami-inspired Diffractive Sail for Directed Energy Propulsion Thomas Underwood
University of Texas, Austin
Stabilized Z-Pinch Fusion Driven Electromagnetic Propulsion Power Systems to Enable Small System Operations in Permanently Shadowed Lunar Regions
Manan Arya
Stanford University
Lightweight Deployable Solar Reflectors Jessica Boles
University of California, Berkeley
Piezoelectric-Based Power Conversion for Lunar Surface Systems Christopher McGuirk
Colorado School of Mines
Power on the Dark Side: Stimulus-Responsive Adsorbents for Low-Energy Controlled Storage and Delivery of Low Boiling Fuels to Mobile Assets in Permanently Shaded Regions Shuolong Yang
University of Chicago
Developing Oxychalcogenide Membranes for Superconducting Power Transmission
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By NASA
Explore This Section Science Science Activation GLOBE Mission Earth Supports… Overview Learning Resources Science Activation Teams SME Map Opportunities More Science Activation Stories Citizen Science 4 min read
GLOBE Mission Earth Supports Career Technical Education
The NASA Science Activation program’s GLOBE Mission EARTH (GME) project is forging powerful connections between career technical education (CTE) programs and real-world science, inspiring students across the United States to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
GME is a collaborative effort between NASA scientists, educators, and schools that brings NASA Earth science and the GLOBE Program into classrooms to support hands-on, inquiry-based learning. GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) is an international science and education program that provides students and the public with the opportunity to participate in data collection and the scientific process, contributing meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system.
By connecting students directly to environmental research and NASA data, GME helps make science more relevant, engaging, and applicable to students’ futures. In CTE programs—where project-based and work-based learning are key instructional strategies—GME’s integration of GLOBE protocols offers students the chance to develop not only technical skills, but also essential data literacy and professional competencies like collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. These cross-cutting skills are valuable across a wide range of industries, from agriculture and advanced manufacturing to natural resources and public safety.
The real-world, hands-on approach of CTE makes it an ideal setting for implementing GLOBE to support STEM learning across industries. At Skyline High School in Oakland, California, for example, GLOBE has been embedded in multiple courses within the school’s Green Energy Pathway, originally launched by GLOBE partner Tracy Ostrom. Over the past decade, nearly 1,000 students have participated in GLOBE activities at Skyline. Many of these students describe their experiences with environmental data collection and interactions with NASA scientists as inspiring and transformative. Similarly, at Toledo Technology Academy, GME is connecting students with NASA science and renewable energy projects—allowing them to study how solar panels impact their local environment and how weather conditions affect wind energy generation.
To expand awareness of how GLOBE can enhance CTE learning and career preparation, WestEd staff Svetlana Darche and Nico Janik presented at the Educating for Careers Conference on March 3, 2025, in Sacramento, California. This event, sponsored by the California chapter of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), brought together over 2,600 educators dedicated to equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in an evolving job market. Darche and Janik’s session, titled “Developing STEM Skills While Contributing to Science,” showcased GLOBE’s role in work-based learning and introduced new federal definitions from the Carl D. Perkins Act (Perkins V) that emphasize:
Interactions with industry professionals A direct link to curriculum and instruction First-hand engagement with real-world tasks in a given career field GLOBE’s approach to scientific data collection aligns perfectly with these criteria. Janik led 40 educators through a hands-on experience using the GLOBE Surface Temperature Protocol, demonstrating how students investigate the Urban Heat Island Effect while learning critical technical and analytical skills. By collecting and analyzing real-world data, students gain firsthand experience with the tools and methods used by scientists, bridging the gap between classroom learning and future career opportunities.
Through GME’s work with CTE programs, students are not only learning science—they are doing science. These authentic experiences inspire, empower, and prepare students for careers where data literacy, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving are essential. With ongoing collaborations between GLOBE, NASA, and educators nationwide, the next generation of STEM professionals is already taking shape—one real-world investigation at a time.
GME is supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AC54A and is part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about how Science Activation connects NASA science experts, real content, and experiences with community leaders to do science in ways that activate minds and promote deeper understanding of our world and beyond: https://science.nasa.gov/learn
GreenEnergyPathway presenting the Green Energy Pathway CTE program. Share
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Last Updated Apr 11, 2025 Editor NASA Science Editorial Team Related Terms
Science Activation Earth Science For Kids and Students Opportunities For Educators to Get Involved Explore More
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By NASA
4 Min Read Career Spotlight: Scientist (Ages 14-18)
What does a scientist do?
Science is about exploring answers to questions. A scientist uses research and evidence to form hypotheses, test variables, and then share their findings.
NASA scientists conduct groundbreaking research to answer some of humanity’s most profound questions. Most scientists start as project scientists in their early careers. They spend a lot of time publishing their peer-reviewed literature and presenting scientific research. Senior-level scientists provide leadership in the NASA community, actively publish research group work, and take on management roles.
What are some of the different types of scientists that work at NASA?
Many types of scientists work at NASA to support its wide variety of missions. The agency’s scientists research the foods we send to space, the habitability of other planets, the weather in space, and so much more. Here are a few examples of types of scientists at NASA.
Planetary scientist: Discovers and studies the planetary objects in our solar system. These efforts shed light on the history of the solar system and the distribution of life within it.
Astrobiologist: Studies the origins of life, how life evolves, and where it might be found in the universe.
Astrophysicist: Studies the physical and chemical structures of stars, planets, and other natural objects found in space.
Biological/physical scientist: Studies how biological and physical processes work in challenging environments like space. This information helps NASA design longer human space missions and also benefits life on Earth.
Earth scientist: Uses observations and data from satellites and other sources to study Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, land cover, and land use.
Heliophysicist: Studies the Sun and its behaviors, such as magnetic fields, solar wind, and space weather. This knowledge helps us better understand and predict the Sun’s effects on Earth and in space.
How can I become a scientist?
Focus on building your scientific knowledge and skills. You can do this by taking challenging academic courses, participating in science fairs, and joining extracurricular activities that have a scientific focus. This is also a good time to research what types of sciences you’re most interested in, possible careers in those fields, and academic degrees required for those jobs.
Scientists typically need at least a four-year degree. Most pursue a master’s degree or even a doctorate (Ph.D.) to become experts in their field.
How can I start preparing today to become a scientist?
Interested in applying some science skills right away? NASA provides a variety of hands-on activities for a range of skill levels. The space agency also offers student challenges, competitions, and activities that provide authentic experience in a variety of science fields. For up-to-date opportunities, visit:
NASA STEM Opportunities and Activities for Students NASA Science Learning Opportunities NASA also offers paid internships for U.S. citizens aged 16 and up. Interns work on real projects with the guidance of a NASA mentor. Internship sessions are held each year in spring, summer, and fall; visit NASA’s Internships website to learn about important deadlines and current opportunities.
Advice from NASA scientists
“Take advantage of opportunities in different fields like attending summer classes, volunteering on the weekends, visiting museums, attending community lectures, and reading introductory books at the library. These are a few ways to expand your scope of possibility within the sciences, while simultaneously narrowing your focus in a field.” – Angela Garcia, exploration geologist
“The key to being a scientist is to love asking questions. If you are fascinated about how and why things work — you are already a scientist.”
Nicola Fox
NASA Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate
“One general skill that is often overlooked is the ability to write well and clearly. There’s a misconception that being a scientist means using big words and writing in ways that no one understands, when it’s actually the opposite. The ability to communicate your thoughts and ideas so that a child can understand is not easy, but it’s essential for good scientific writing.” – Matt Mickens, NASA horticulturist
Additional Resources
Careers in Science and Research
NASA Science Career Path Navigator
NASA Science Mission Directorate
People of NASA Science
Explore NASA+ Scientist Resources
Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA
For Students Grades 9-12
NASA Internship Programs
NASA STEM Opportunities and Activities For Students
Careers
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By NASA
3 min read
Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)
Overview
Welcome to the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) services page. Provided here are different resources to support informed steps toward a new career opportunity in the public or private sector.
Transition Assistance
NASA is partnering with OPM to offer a 1-day workshop covering multiple areas associated with career transitions. The workshop will be offered virtually on pre-scheduled dates and will include:
Career Exploration (1 Hour) Job Search Strategy (1 Hour) Resume Writing (2 Hours) Interview Techniques (2 Hours) One-On-One Counseling NASA will follow-up with employees eligible for CTAP to enroll them in the workshop and share participation details.
Transition Resources
Below are links to guidance, resources, and tools that are helpful during a career move, including resume preparation, interview preparation, networking strategies, job search assistance, and more.
Resume Preparation
Resources to help craft strong professional resumes that showcase personal skills and experience, including specialized training and tools.
General
Resume Tips Brochure to Launch Your Career
JPL Resume Workshop
Writing an Effective Resume
CareerOneStop
Federal/State/Local Government
Federal employees who have been displaced due to a Reduction in Force (RIF) may be eligible for priority selection for another federal job under the CTAP. In their USAJOBS profiles, they can indicate their CTAP eligibility under the Federal Service section and make their resume and profile searchable for Agency Talent Portal (ATP) users by selecting a saved resume under the Documents tab.
How to Build a Resume
What Should I Include in My Resume
How to Make Your Resume and Profile Searchable
Private Sector
Creating A Successful Private Sector Resume from Your Federal Resume
Beyond Federal Service: How to Transition to the Private Sector
Interview Coaching
Resources to prepare for job interviews and improve interview skills, including information about the interview process, how to prepare and respond to interview questions, and platforms to conduct practice interviews and receive feedback on responses.
Interview Process
Interview Tips from Department of Labor
Interview Tips from DOL’s CareerOneStop
Interview Responses
STAR Method: How to Use This Technique to Ace Your Next Job Interview
Interview Practice
Barclays Virtual Interview Practice Tool (Free)
Google Interview Warmup (Free)
Pramp (Free)
Networking
Guidance on how to leverage LinkedIn for job search and professional networking, and providing feedback on LinkedIn profiles, optimizing keywords, and increasing visibility to recruiters.
Rock Your LinkedIn Profile Learning Series Videos
LinkedIn Profile Best Practices
LinkedIn Profile Summary Best Practices
Leveraging LinkedIn for Job Search Success
Make the Most of LinkedIn for Your Job Search
Forming a Network
Job Information/Job Search Assistance
Free online resources for identifying adjacent or new career opportunities, including job matching websites and websites offering personality or career assessments.
Career Search
CareerOneStop
O*NET Online
Self-Assessment
CareerExplorer Assessment
CareerOneStop Self-Assessments
O*NET Interest Profiler
USAJOBS Career Explorer
Job Search
Apprenticeship Job Finder
CareerOneStop Job Search
Indeed
Monster
USAJOBS
ZipRecruiter
Other
CareerOneStop Find American Job Centers
Retraining
Free and fee-based online e-learning resources to enhance current skills or acquire new skills.
Codeacademy
Coursera
edX
Harvard Online Learning
Khan Academy
LinkedIn Learning
MasterClass
MIT OpenCourseWare
Skillshare
Stanford Online
Udemy
Employment Counseling
NASA’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential counseling that can be used to obtain employment counseling and support during a career transition, as well as referrals to other needed resources.
NASA Enterprise EAP Page
NASA Center EAP Pages
Additional Transition Resources
There are also additional career transition resources available through OPM including:
The Employee’s Guide to Career Transition
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Last Updated Mar 24, 2025 Related Terms
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By NASA
3 Min Read Career Spotlight: Engineer (Ages 14-18)
What does an engineer do?
An engineer applies scientific principles to design, build, and test machines, systems, or structures to meet specific needs. They follow the steps of the engineering design process to ensure their designs work as planned while meeting a variety of requirements, including size, weight, safety, and cost.
NASA hires several types of engineers to help tackle a range of missions. Whether it’s creating quieter supersonic aircraft, building powerful space telescopes to study the cosmos, or developing spacecraft to take humanity to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, NASA pushes the boundaries of engineering, giving us greater knowledge of our universe and a better quality of life here on Earth.
What are the different types of engineering?
Aerospace engineer: Applies engineering principles to design hardware and software specific to flight systems for use in Earth’s atmosphere or in space. Chemical engineer: Uses chemistry to conduct research or develop new materials. Civil engineer: Designs human-made structures, such as launch pads, test stands, or a future lunar base. Electrical engineer: Specializes in the design and testing of electronics such as computers, motors, and navigation systems. Mechanical engineer: Designs and tests mechanical equipment and systems, such as rocket engines, aircraft frames, and astronaut tools. How can I become an engineer?
High school is the perfect time to build a solid foundation of science and math skills through challenging academic courses as well as extracurricular activities, such as science clubs, robotics teams, or STEM camps in your area. You can also start researching what type of engineering is right for you, what colleges offer those engineering programs, and what you need to do to apply to those colleges.
Engineering roles typically require at least a bachelor’s degree.
How can I start preparing today to become an engineer?
Looking for some engineering experiences you can try right away? NASA STEM offers hands-on activities for a variety of ages and skill levels. Engineering includes iteration – repeating something and making changes in an effort to learn more and improve the process or the design. When you try these activities, make a small change each time you repeat the process, and see whether your design improves.
NASA’s student challenges and competitions give teams the opportunity to gain authentic experience by taking on some of the technological challenges of spaceflight and aviation.
NASA also offers paid internships for U.S. citizens aged 16 and up. Interns work on real projects with the guidance of a NASA mentor. Internship sessions are held each year in spring, summer, and fall; visit NASA’s Internships website to learn about important deadlines and current opportunities.
Advice from NASA engineers
“A lot of people think that just because they are more artistic or more creative, that they’re not cut out for STEM fields. But in all honesty, engineers and scientists have to be creative and have to be somewhat artistic to be able to come up with new ideas and see how they can solve the problems in the world around them.” – Sam Zauber, wind tunnel test engineer
“Students today have so many opportunities in the STEM area that are available to them. See what you like. See what you're good at. See what you don't like. Learn all there is to learn, and then you can really choose your own path. As long as you have the aptitude and the willingness to learn, you're already there.”
Heather Oravec
Aerospace and Geotechnical Research Engineer
“Joining clubs and participating in activities that pique your interests is a great way to develop soft skills – like leadership, communication, and the ability to work with others – which will prepare you for future career opportunities.” – Estela Buchmann, navigation, guidance, and control systems engineer
Additional Resources
Explore NASA+ Engineering Resources Learner Opportunities – NASA Science Career Aspirations with Hubble Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA
Careers in Engineering
Join Artemis
NASA App
For Students Grades 9-12
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