Discover NASA with CTSGC

Discover NASA with CTSGC is a virtual speaker series that connects students, educators, and STEM enthusiasts with NASA professionals from across the agency. Through monthly online sessions, participants have the opportunity to learn directly from scientists, engineers, researchers, and other NASA experts who are helping shape the future of space exploration, aeronautics, technology, and discovery.

Each session features a NASA guest speaker and is moderated by a member of the Connecticut Space Grant Consortium (CTSGC). Speakers share insights into their careers, current projects, research initiatives, and the many ways NASA is advancing science and exploration. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with presenters through a live question-and-answer session.

Whether you are exploring careers in STEM, interested in NASA missions, or simply curious about the future of space exploration, Discover NASA with CTSGC offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from professionals working at the forefront of innovation.

Register to Participate

Participation is free, but advance registration is required.

Registration Requirements

• Register online using the following form: https://forms.gle/BoXHb1W1u2LpAW7C7
• Participants must register using their college or university email address.
• Registration for each session closes the day before the scheduled event.
• A meeting link and participation instructions will be emailed to registered participants prior to the session.

Why Participate?

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Learn about current NASA missions, programs, and research initiatives.
• Explore career paths in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and aerospace.
• Hear firsthand experiences from NASA scientists, engineers, and professionals.
• Gain insights into internships, research opportunities, and workforce development programs.
• Connect with other students and members of the Connecticut STEM community.
• Ask questions and engage directly with NASA experts.

Who Should Attend?

Discover NASA with CTSGC is open to:

• Undergraduate and graduate students
• Community college students
• Faculty and educators
• CTSGC award recipients

We invite you to join us throughout the year as we explore the people, missions, technologies, and discoveries that are shaping the future of NASA and inspiring the next generation of explorers and innovators.

Ways to Participate

Discover NASA with CTSGC is designed to be flexible and accessible. Whether you are attending individually, participating with classmates, or organizing a group event on your campus, there are many ways to engage with each session.

Individual Participation

Students, faculty, staff, and STEM enthusiasts are welcome to attend sessions independently.

Participants can:

• Attend from their own computer or mobile device.
• Engage directly with NASA speakers during the live question-and-answer session.
• Explore NASA careers, missions, and research topics that align with their academic and professional interests.
• Participate from any location with an internet connection.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Student organizations are encouraged to host group viewing events on their campus.

Examples include:

• Engineering and technology clubs
• Astronomy clubs
• Robotics teams
• Women in STEM organizations
• Society chapters (ASME, IEEE, SWE, NSBE, SHPE, etc.)
• Honors programs and learning communities

Hosting a group viewing event can help foster discussion, networking, and engagement among students interested in STEM and aerospace topics. Clubs may also choose to organize follow-up discussions related to the session topic.

Faculty and Classroom Participation

Faculty members are encouraged to incorporate Discover NASA sessions into their courses when appropriate.

Faculty may:

• Use a session as a class enrichment activity.
• Invite students to attend as part of a course assignment or discussion.
• Host a live viewing during scheduled class time.
• Incorporate session content into lessons related to engineering, physics, astronomy, computer science, mathematics, aviation, aerospace, or other STEM disciplines.

These sessions provide students with the opportunity to hear directly from NASA professionals about current missions, cutting-edge research, and real-world STEM careers.

Campus Watch Parties

Institutions may also choose to organize larger campus viewing events that bring together students, faculty, and staff from multiple academic programs.

Campus watch parties are a great way to:

• Build STEM community on campus.
• Introduce students to NASA programs and opportunities.
• Encourage interdisciplinary conversations across STEM fields.
• Connect students with professionals working at the forefront of space exploration and innovation.

No matter how you choose to participate, Discover NASA with CTSGC offers a unique opportunity to connect with NASA professionals, explore emerging technologies and missions, and gain insight into the educational and career pathways that support the future of aerospace and STEM.

Next Session Details:

December 4, 2026

Katie McKee

GSFC Sciences and Exploration Directorate Early Career Programs Manager

Join us Friday, December 4^th for a conversation about Early Careers: Internships and Other Opportunities at NASA Centers with Katie McKee, GSFC Sciences and Exploration Directorate Early Career Programs Manager.

Katie will explore internships, research experiences, and other early-career opportunities at NASA Centers. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about eligibility requirements, key application deadlines, tips for submitting a strong application, and have questions answered.

Katie McKee (she/her) is the Early Career Programs Manager for the Sciences and Exploration Directorate at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), where she oversees programs supporting students, interns, postbaccalaureate researchers, and postdoctoral researchers. She has worked at NASA for eight years supporting early-career development, including the past two years in her current leadership role. Katie serves as the Directorate’s liaison for the NASA Postdoctoral Program, the NASA-PEER Post-bac Constellation Mentorship Program, and several internship programs.

Working alongside NASA scientists and leadership, Katie helps develop and coordinate opportunities that foster an engaging environment for early-career researchers to expand their scientific expertise, build professional skills, and receive mentorship as they navigate their career paths. Through this work, she focuses on strengthening career pathways at NASA and empowering the next generation of scientists to contribute to NASA’s mission of scientific discovery and exploration.

Katie holds a B.A. in Biology from Hollins University and an M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from George Mason University.

Join us for this exciting discussion!

Register to join the conversation: https://forms.gle/Nov1bSnkMBgZnByM7

2026/2027 Sessions:

2024/2025 Sessions:

2023/2024 Sessions:

2022/2023 Sessions:

If you are interested in a recording of one of our past sessions to share as the host of a watch party, please contact your CTSGC Campus Director for information.