STEM Career: NASA Advanced Planning Specialist

What this episode covers

Go! For Launch Ep 01 - Featuring NASA’s Brenna Biggs Join hosts Audrey, Kam, and MacKenzie as they dive into an inspiring conversation with Brenna Biggs, NASA Advanced Planning Specialist for the Airborne Science Program. Discover how NASA studies our home planet from the sky using cutting-edge airborne missions and gain insights into Brenna’s unique career journey—from her roots in chemistry and communications to her dream role at NASA. Brenna shares her passion for science outreach, the importance of representation, and the innovative missions shaping the future of Earth science. Whether you’re curious about NASA internships, the challenges of scientific flights, or how video games and puzzles sparked a career in STEM, this episode is packed with inspiration and discovery. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. How NASA uses airborne missions to study Earth’s climate, air quality, and ecosystems. 2. The unique science conducted aboard NASA’s airborne laboratories, including the retired DC-8 and the new 777 flying laboratory. 3. Tips for navigating NASA internships and finding opportunities in STEM, even with little experience. 4. The role of representation and mentorship in inspiring the next generation of scientists. 5. How Brenna’s love for puzzles, video games, and fantasy stories fueled her passion for chemistry and science communication. Helpful Links: NASA Internships Explore internship opportunities for students aged 16 and up at NASA: https://intern.nasa.gov Student Airborne Research Program (SARP) Learn more about SARP and its opportunities for undergraduates: https://science.nasa.gov/earth-science/early-career-opportunities/student-airborne-research-program/ NASA GLOBE Program Engage with the GLOBE Program, a citizen science initiative for students and educators worldwide: https://www.globe.gov NASA Earth Venture Suborbital Missions Discover the latest NASA Earth Venture missions and their scientific goals: https://eospso.nasa.gov/mission-category/13 NASA’s Airborne Science Program Learn more about NASA’s use of airborne platforms for Earth science research: https://airbornescience.nasa.gov Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction: Meet Brenna Biggs and overview of NASA’s Airborne Science Program. 00:00:28 – NASA’s Earth Science: Exploring the planet with airborne missions and key goals of the Airborne Science Program. 00:03:12 – The DC-8 and the 777: Transition from the iconic flying laboratory to the next-gen 777. 00:04:20 – Brenna’s Role: Balancing outreach, advanced planning, and inspiring future scientists. 00:06:15 – Brenna’s Journey: From communications to chemistry, fueled by a love for fantasy and science. 00:09:40 – Pop Culture and Science: How TV shows and video games influenced Brenna’s STEM path. 00:15:00 – Networking for STEM Careers: Brenna’s advice and personal experiences on building connections. 00:20:30 – Opportunities at NASA: Internships, the GLOBE Program, and ways to get involved in citizen science. 00:26:00 – Flying Scientific Missions: Inside NASA’s airborne labs and their unique challenges. 00:35:30 – Why Airborne Science Matters: 3D data collection, understanding pollution, and observing Earth from the sky. 00:44:00 – Future Airborne Missions: Preparing the 777, Earth Venture suborbital missions, and global collaborations. 00:48:00 – Insights and Impact: What NASA’s airborne missions have revealed about climate, pollution, and the planet. 00:50:30 – Taking Action: How individuals can make a difference in addressing climate challenges. 00:54:00 – Effective Science Communication: Brenna’s approach to bridging divides and fostering understanding.

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