About Education and Outreach

Sharing the excitement and importance of space research and exploration is a primary goal of the NSBRI's Education and Outreach Team, and has been since the program's inception in 1997. Through teacher professional development programs, curriculum writing, classroom materials, community outreach and museum programs, summer research opportunities and internships, collegiate-level courses, electronic materials and informational pieces, the message of "Down-to-Earth" space research activities and discoveries are transferred to teachers, students and the public. NSBRI is supporting its fourth class of postdoctoral fellows and a Graduate Education Program in Space Life Sciences.

In 2007, the Team received a Stellar Award from the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation recognizing the team’s “performance as a nationally recognized, top-tier program that is pioneering new models for exemplary teaching, training and public outreach in support of the Vision for Space Exploration.” Each year, the Stellar Award recognizes outstanding individuals and teams making significant contributions to the future of our nation’s space program.

Education Program Leader:
William A. Thomson, Ph.D.
Baylor College of Medicine

Senior Education Fellow:
Marlene Y. MacLeish, Ed.D.
Morehouse School of Medicine

Education and Outreach Strategic Plan (PDF) Butterflies and Spiders in Space