Next Generation of Planetary Scientists Learn Public Engagement Skills

NASA's Science Mission Directorate Community of Practice for Education (SCoPE), part of the NASA Science Activation (SciAct) Program portfolio, works with Earth and Space Science and Engineering Subject Matter Experts to help them share their science with support from education specialists. In Summer 2026, SCoPE partnered with Arizona State University's Facility for Open Research in a Compressed Environment (FORCE) Summer School, a lab that uses high-pressure experimental equipment to recreate conditions deep inside Earth and other planetary bodies, to help seven undergraduate interns build science communication skills.

SCoPE facilitated two hands-on workshops on June 25 and 26, followed by office hours the next week. The training focused on identifying central research themes, developing clear and engaging messages, planning visitor interactions, and managing public engagement logistics. Interns also received guidance on preparing their research posters and outreach stations.

The training culminated in two outreach events. The FORCE Open House welcomed approximately 50 members of the public, who toured the facility, met the research team, saw specialized equipment, and interacted with interns at themed stations explaining the science. A second poster session for ASU faculty, staff, and students let interns present their findings and receive feedback.

By integrating science communication training into the summer school, SCoPE helps emerging planetary scientists gain practical skills for engaging scientific peers and the public. The events showed how thoughtful training can boost researchers' confidence and build stronger connections between planetary science and the community. SCoPE is supported by NASA cooperative agreement award number 80NSSC21M0006.