Schedule

Introduction: Opening Remarks

Keynote Presentation

Engaging talk by renowned guest speaker Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, Robinson Professor of Astrophysics at George Mason University and co-author of "A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Street to the Stars".

Academia Speaker: The Cutting-Edge of Astrophysics

Inspiring presentation by distinguished astrophysicist Dr. Rachel Osten, head of the instruments division at the Space Telescope Science Institute.

Student Research Showcase

High school students present their research projects on various astronomy topics, including exoplanets, cosmology, rocketry, and more.

Projects, in order:

• Ronit Kapur: "Gravity-Darkened Atmospheric Modeling of Ultra-Hot Jupiters: Insights From KELT-9b"

• Akesh Mallia: "SPEIDSat: Applying CubeSats to Larger NASA Missions."

15-minute break.

• Caelus Rocketry: "Designing, building, testing, and launching the first high schooler-built bipropellant liquid-fueled rocket to the Karman Line."

• Keira Overmann & Isaiah Green: "The Innovation and Animation of Orbital Debris Clearing Technology"

Stargazing: How to Get Started

Presented by Paul Derby from the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC), this session will show participants how to get started exploring the beautiful night sky of the D.C. metro area with electronically-assisted astronomy techniques.

Networking and Lunch

Informal networking opportunity for students, speakers, and other attendees. Lunch provided.

Panel Discussion: What Does the Future Hold for Space?

This panel will involve speakers from across academia and industry to discuss how scientists and engineers from the public and private sectors can come together to yield new discoveries and deepen our foothold in space.

Panelists:

• Dr. Scott Pace, director of the Space Policy Institute and a Professor of the Practice of International Affairs at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs.

• Lt. Col. Erin G. Salinas, Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Space Force.

• Dr. Tad Komacek, Assistant Professor of Astronomy at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Closing Remarks

Recap of the conference with key takeaways.