San Jacinto College South Campus will debut 2017 Fall Space Day on Oct. 24 as a means to connect interested students to opportunities available within the College’s Aerospace Academy and STEM programs. Space Day took place for the first time in March, but organizers expanded the fall event to include more participants and partners.  

The one-day showcase will feature space and STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) academic departments, student clubs, and multiple guest speakers while highlighting available internships, scholarships, and networking opportunities.

Aerospace Academy Director, Dr. Janis Fowler, said Space Day offers “resources you wish you had, all at one place.”

Guest speakers include a wide range of scientists and engineers including NASA Lunar scientist Dr. John Gruener, as well as Dr. Jancy McPhee and Dr. Allan Treiman from the Lunar Planetary Institute. STEM students and faculty from the three San Jac campuses will conduct STEM demonstrations, while CIT Professor Pam Betts, accompanied by her students, offer virtual reality demonstrations. Also, an astronaut, yet to be identified, will be in attendance to speak with students. 

Space Day is organized as a joint effort by the Aerospace Academy, housed at NASA, and the College’s STEM Council, along with South Campus science department Chairs Dr. Mary Wisgirda and Christopher Wild. 

Wisgirda said she hopes the event will pave the way for students to be more aware of the College’s connection with NASA, in addition to spotlighting the STEM programs. Moreover, she said she hopes the event is instrumental in “students getting prepared for jobs of tomorrow.”

2017 Fall Space Day is open to all students and will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct 24 in the atrium of the Science/Allied Health building (S1) on the South Campus. There is no charge for admission.