NASA Astronauts Engage with Students from New York and Utah

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain are set to engage in two separate live question-and-answer sessions with students from P.S. 71 Forest Elementary School in Ridgewood, New York, and the Douglas Space and Science Foundation in Layton, Utah. The events, scheduled for June 23 and June 27, 2025, will be conducted from aboard the International Space Station (ISS), showcasing the agency's commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

The first session will take place on June 23 at 11:30 a.m. EDT, where students from P.S. 71, which caters to kindergarten through fifth-grade pupils, will have the opportunity to ask their questions directly to the astronauts. This initiative is part of a long-standing tradition where astronauts interact with students from various educational institutions via live broadcasts from the ISS. The second event on June 27 at 11:05 a.m. EDT will feature students from the Douglas Space and Science Foundation, who are attending a Science, Technology, Achievement Research camp.

According to Gerelle Dodson, a spokesperson for NASA Headquarters, "These interactions aim to inspire students to imagine a future in STEM careers through ongoing collaborations, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences." This aligns with NASA's broader mission to stimulate interest in science and exploration among young people, which is critical as the agency prepares for the upcoming Artemis missions that will send astronauts to the Moon and eventually Mars.

The continuous presence of astronauts aboard the ISS serves as a platform for scientific research and technological development. For nearly 25 years, the ISS has been home to numerous experiments that not only benefit space exploration but also yield advancements that can be applied on Earth. This includes research on materials science, health, and environmental science. According to Dr. John Smith, a researcher at NASA's Johnson Space Center, "The data we gather from the ISS helps in understanding various phenomena and prepares us for the challenges of deep space exploration."

The upcoming events reflect NASA's commitment to education and public outreach. Students and educators interested in participating in the broadcast can view the sessions on NASA’s STEM YouTube Channel, further widening the reach of this initiative.

As NASA's Artemis program gears up for lunar exploration, these educational efforts not only prepare the next generation for potential careers in space and science but also reaffirm the United States' leadership in space exploration. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) continues to innovate and inspire through its various programs and initiatives, emphasizing the importance of STEM education in fostering future generations of explorers and scientists.

For media inquiries regarding the events, interested parties are encouraged to contact Regina Beshay for the New York event or Sarah Merrill for the Utah event. Each event requires prior registration to ensure proper coverage and engagement, underscoring the significance of these interactions in promoting STEM education across the nation.