The annual SSEP National Conference always includes featured presentations by nationally recognized space scientists and engineers who will passionately talk about exploration, and hopefully inspire many young women and men in the audience to follow in their footsteps. On this page you can watch all the featured presentations from conferences dating back to 2014.
9th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 1-2, 2019
Title: NanoRacks Know: Students are the Greatest Innovators on the Space Station Today!
Jeffrey Manber, Chief Executive Officer [Bio]
Nanoracks, LLC, SSEP National Partner
Abstract: NanoRacks has been working with SSEP for years and years – together bringing some of the most innovative microgravity research we’ve seen to the International Space Station. NanoRacks CEO will talk about why students being involved in space research is so important, the impact students have had, and why students are so important for the future of space exploration.
Title: What’s Up? Current, Future and Proposed Missions Exploring Our Place in Space
Dr. Emily S. Martin [Bio]
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, SSEP National Partner
Abstract: Getting a mission selected, developed, and launched to explore our solar system can take many years and often many failed attempts. How do you decide where to send a robot? What experiments should you run once you get there? We will touch upon how you decide how big to make your mission and why it can take so long to get a mission selected. Then we’ll dash around the solar system exploring the ongoing and future missions we can look forward to as well as some of the missions still waiting to hear if they will be selected to be built.
Title: The Day a Woodpecker Attacked the Space Shuttle
Dr. Don Thomas, NASA Astronaut, STS-65, 70, 83, 94 [Bio]
Abstract: In June, 1995 the crew of the STS-70 mission aboard Space Shuttle Discovery was finishing their final day of training before their launch, only seven days away. Everything was looking good for the mission until it was discovered that a single woodpecker had tried to make a nest in the big fuel tank of the space shuttle creating 205 holes in the process. During the presentation, NASA astronaut Don Thomas will discuss why the woodpecker did such a thing, what NASA did to prevent future attacks, and what our astronauts accomplished on this flight, one of the more unusual missions of the Space Shuttle Program.
Title: Opportunity’s Question
Matt Collinge, Deputy Director [Bio]
Maryland Space Grant Consortium
Abstract: The future is hope and possibility. Now that you’re here, what will you do next? Each of us confronts this question every single day. We also face it constantly in a larger sense, as a society. It must be our hope that our collective response will lead to the future we envision and desire! Yet we each pursue our answers as individuals. This presentation will not give you your answer. Instead it will aim to introduce new possibilities and a thought to hold as you move forward.
8th Annual SSEP National Conference, June 28-29, 2018
Title: Sensational Science in Space
Laurie Provin, Partnership Services Manager [Bio]
Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), SSEP National Partner
Abstract: The International Space Station is the biggest object ever flown in space. It not only serves as a place for humans to live and work in space, but it’s also a large research laboratory. The astronauts onboard the ISS perform amazing science and technology experiments to help us understand the space environment better and to improve our life on Earth. Get the latest on the sensational science happening in space!
Title: Overcoming Obstacles and Reaching for the Stars!
Dr. Don Thomas, NASA Astronaut, STS-65, 70, 83, 94 [Bio]
Abstract: When he was just six years old, Don Thomas watched the launch of the first American into space sitting on the floor in his school gymnasium. He knew immediately that he also wanted to be an astronaut when he grew up. Although he faced a number of setbacks along the way, thirty-three years later his dream came true as he launched aboard Space Shuttle Columbia on his first of four missions to space. Through his long journey to become an astronaut he learned some valuable lessons that he will share about achieving your dream in life.
Title: Solar System Update
Dr. Jim Zimbelman, Senior Geologist, [Bio]
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM), SSEP National Partner
Abstract: Many spacecraft are currently exploring objects throughout the solar system, and beyond. Here we briefly review the robotic space missions active in 2018, those that were launched this year, and a preview of some missions actively being developed for future launches.
7th Annual SSEP National Conference, June 28-29, 2017
Title: Overcoming Obstacles and Reaching for the Stars!
Dr. Don Thomas, NASA Astronaut, STS-65, 70, 83, 94 [Bio]
Abstract: When he was just six years old, Don Thomas watched the launch of the first American into space sitting on the floor in his school gymnasium. He knew immediately that he also wanted to be an astronaut when he grew up. Although he faced a number of setbacks along the way, thirty-three years later his dream came true as he launched aboard Space Shuttle Columbia on his first of four missions to space. Through his long journey to become an astronaut he learned some valuable lessons that he will share about achieving your dream in life.
Title: ISS Science Research Update
Dan Barstow, Education Manager [Bio]
Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), SSEP National Partner
Abstract: The ISS is an amazing place for science research. How do astronauts adapt to space? How do plants grow in microgravity? Can we 3D print tools and parts for on-orbit repairs? Can lasers enable faster data communications? Do cells replicate differently in space? Get the latest news on these and other topics about the ISS.
Title: Seven Very Cool Facts about the International Space Station
Mary Murphy, Senior Internal Payloads Manager [Bio]
NanoRacks, SSEP Strategic Partner
Abstract: A brief overview of why the International Space Station is such a unique resource for students around the world, and the role that NanoRacks plays to help ensure that the SSEP students are given the tools they need to be the next generation of space explorers!
Title: Toilet Training…for Space
Michael Hulslander, Manager of Onsite Learning [Bio]
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM), SSEP National Partner
Adjunct Space Science Educator, National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE)
Abstract: Going to the bathroom is something we all do. No wonder that one of the most popular questions an astronaut gets is “how do you go to the bathroom in space?” Here’s an opportunity for you to learn about the waste collection system used aboard the space shuttle and the International Space Station, and how it’s used while orbiting the Earth at 17,500 mph in a microgravity environment – where everything floats.
6th Annual SSEP National Conference, June 29-30, 2016
Title: Pluto After New Horizons
Dr. James Zimbelman, Geologist [Bio]
Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS)
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM), SSEP National Partner
Abstract: New Horizons gave humanity the first up-close look at the Pluto system in July of 2015. Pluto, Charon, and it’s four other moons are far more diverse and interesting than many had thought, prior to the encounter. We will briefly review the ‘new Pluto system’ as we now understand it.
Title: Seven Very Cool Facts about the International Space Station
Jeff Manber, Managing Director [Bio]
NanoRacks, SSEP Strategic Partner
Abstract: A quick and rather funny overview of how working on the ISS is different than working here on Earth. Living and working in space is pretty cool, and SSEP student researchers are very much a part of this new frontier.
Title: Overcoming Obstacles and Reaching for the Stars!
Dr. Don Thomas, NASA Astronaut, STS-65, 70, 83, 94 [Bio]
Abstract: When he was just six years old, Don Thomas watched the launch of the first American into space sitting on the floor in his school gymnasium. He knew immediately that he also wanted to be an astronaut when he grew up. Although he faced a number of setbacks along the way, thirty-three years later his dream came true as he launched aboard Space Shuttle Columbia on his first of four missions to space. Through his long journey to become an astronaut he learned some valuable lessons that he will share about achieving your dream in life.
Title: The International Space Station – Enabling a New Era In Research and Discovery
Patrick O’Neill, Marketing and Communications Manager [Bio]
Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), SSEP National Partner
Title: Growing a Garden in Space
Dr. Valerie Neal, Curator and Chair, Human Spaceflight Collection [Bio]
Chair, Space History Department
Curator, Space Shuttle Era Human Spaceflight Collection
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM), SSEP National Partner
Abstract: In the high-tech world of spaceflight, why is NASA studying how to grow a natural garden inside a spacecraft? Let’s explore the reasons, tools, and techniques for off-the-planet gardening on the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station, and maybe someday on Mars.
5th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2-3, 2015
Title: What a Difference Microgravity Makes!
Dr. Valerie Neal, Curator and Chair, Human Spaceflight Collection [Bio]
Space History Department
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM)
Abstract: Researchers in the life sciences, materials sciences, and physical sciences explore questions in space that cannot be answered on Earth. Dr. Valerie Neal, Space History Department Chair and veteran team member for Shuttle-Spacelab science missions, will accent reasons for doing research in space and the flown experiment equipment on display in the Moving Beyond Earth gallery.
Title: MESSENGER’s Exploration of Mercury
Dr. Thomas Watters, Senior Scientist [Bio]
Center for Earth and Planetary Sciences (CEPS)
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM)
Abstract: The MESSENGER spacecraft completed a mission to Mercury on April 30th. After three flybys and over 4 years in orbit, MESSENGER revolutionized our understanding of the innermost planet. The instruments on the spacecraft imaged the surface, measured the topography, determined the chemistry of the crust, mapped the magnetic field, and revealed the structure of the interior. In the final orbital phase of the mission, the altitude of spacecraft was lowered allowing more detailed images and measurement to be obtained. Some of the many discoveries of the MESSENGER mission will be highlighted.
Title: The New Horizons Mission to the Pluto System
Dr. Jim Green, Planetary Science Division Director [Bio] [Meet Dr. Green up close and personal]
NASA Headquarters
Abstract: New Horizons is speeding toward the Pluto system at an amazing 16.7 km/sec (10.4 miles/sec) and will flyby this dwarf planet and its moons on July 14th. What have we learned so far and why Pluto is so important to understand will be discussed.
Title: ISS U.S. National Laboratory – Enabling a New Era In Space-Based Research
Patrick O’Neill, Marketing and Communications Manager [Bio]
Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), SSEP National Partner
Abstract: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) manages the U.S. National Laboratory on the ISS and is responsible for brokering research capable of benefitting life on Earth. This presentation will focus on how CASIS works with the research community on developing flight projects, what types of payloads are on station now, and why microgravity?
4th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2-3, 2014
Title: Achieving Your Dream
Dr. Don Thomas
NASA Astronaut, STS-65, 70, 83, 94 [Bio]
Towson University
Abstract: When he was just six years old, Don Thomas watched the launch of the first American into space sitting on the floor in his school gymnasium. He knew immediately that he also wanted to be an astronaut when he grew up. Although he faced a number of setbacks along the way, thirty-three years later his dream came true as he launched aboard Space Shuttle Columbia on his first of four missions to space. Through his long journey to become an astronaut he learned some valuable lessons that he will share about achieving your dream in life.
Title: Seven Very Cool Facts about the International Space Station
Jeff Manber, Managing Director [Bio]
NanoRacks
Abstract: A quick and rather funny overview of how working on the ISS is different than working here on Earth. Living and working in space is pretty cool, and SSEP student researchers are very much a part of this new frontier.
Title: Research on the International Space Station
Diane Matthews, Education Manager [Bio]
Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS)
Abstract: Learn about the research taking place on the International Space Station and the potential benefits to humanity.
Title: The Curiosity Rover: Update from Mars
Dr. John Grant, Geologist [Bio]
Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS)
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM)
Abstract: NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity landed on Mars in August 2012, near the northern wall of Gale Crater. In less than 2 years, its exploration of the red planet has already led to many milestones and results, which will be discussed.
3rd Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2-3, 2013
Title: First Women in Space
Dr. Valerie Neal, Curator, Human Spaceflight Collection [Bio]
Space History Department
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM)
Abstract: Three women made history by being first in space, each for distinctive accomplishments, and women continue to achieve firsts in space. What role did scientific and technical training have in their selection for flight and their duties in space?
Title: Toilet Training… for Space
Michael Hulslander, Manager of Onsite Learning [Bio]
National Mall Education, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM)
Adjunct Space Science Educator, National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE)
Abstract: Going to the bathroom is something we all do. No wonder that one of the most popular questions an astronaut gets is “how do you go to the bathroom in space?” Here’s an opportunity for you to learn about the waste collection system used aboard the space shuttle and the International Space Station, and how it’s used while orbiting the Earth at 17,500 mph in a microgravity environment – where everything floats.
Title: The Curiosity Rover: Update from Mars
Dr. John Grant, Geologist [Bio]
Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS)
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM)
Abstract: NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity landed on Mars in August 2012, near the northern wall of Gale Crater. In less than a year, its exploration of the red planet has already led to many milestones and results, which will be discussed.
Title: The U.S. National Laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS)
Ken Shields, Director of Operations [Bio]
Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS)
Abstract: An opportunity to understand the U.S. National Laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS) and the role it plays in enabling a new era in space research and exploration. Learn about investigations that have been done in the past on the ISS and the opportunities that students now have to take advantage of this research platform.