As part of the agency’s broader commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, NASA has selected the inaugural recipients of the agency’s Space Tech Catalyst awards to expand engagement with diverse groups of people underrepresented in the space technology field. Each recipient will receive $25,000 to build a more inclusive space tech ecosystem.
“NASA continues to explore the unknown and make the impossible possible, and we are committed to inviting talented people from all backgrounds to advance our exploration,” said Sharla Lambert, NASA’s senior advisor for engagement. “By funding this space technology community, NASA is ensuring that the Artemis generation has the tools they need to expand the reach of humanity.”
The winning individuals and organizations demonstrate best collaboration practices with a diverse range of researchers, technologists, and entrepreneurs. Winners also bring effective strategies that contribute to NASA’s ongoing efforts to develop a representative space technology environment and enhance their ability to find creative solutions to technical challenges.
The winners are as follows:
Caitlin O’Brien, SciAccess, Inc. Zainab Abbas, SciTech@U Bahiy Watson, The 1881 Institute Amber Imai-Hong, Mahina Aerospace Marta Miletic, San Diego State University Felecia Brown, NorthStar of GIS Diego Sandoval, Cyncrocity Arif Rahman, Hawaii Pacific University Sierra Brown Denise Thorsen, University of Alaska Fairbanks Joshua Neubert, Competitive Science Institute Madison Feehan, Space Copy, Inc. Johnie Turnage, Black Tech Saturdays Athip Thirupathi Raj, SpaceTREx Lab, University of Arizona Janeya Griffin, Equity Space Alliance, Inc. Annika Rollock, Aurelia Institute M. von Nkosi, Institute for Local Innovations, Inc. Joseph Grant, New Generation Solutions SST Sambit Bhattacharya, Fayetteville State University Dalia David, Honest Eating, LLC
Each awardee was selected for their demonstrated ability to engage and nurture underrepresented groups in space technology development, expand NASA’s outreach efforts to a diverse developer base, and build a community of emerging innovators capable of competing for NASA technology development opportunities.
“We are proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of these outstanding individuals and organizations who are leading the way in building an inclusive space technology community for the benefit of humanity,” said Dena Lambert, Inclusive Innovation team leader in the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Their dedication and success in engaging underrepresented groups will undoubtedly inspire others to join us in advancing the frontiers of space exploration and innovation.”
To strengthen collaboration between NASA and its community partners, each awardee will participate in an in-person event held at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. Representatives from NASA and the awardee organizations will participate in community-building activities, emphasizing knowledge sharing, raising awareness of NASA’s competitive research and development environment, and expanding NASA’s reach to a diverse community of innovators.
The STMD-funded Space Tech Catalyst Prize is part of NASA’s efforts to expand its network of competitive proposers and strengthen its engagement approach.
For more information, please see below.
-end-
Jimi Russell
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
Email: james.j.russell@nasa.gov
Jerrell Dodson
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
gerelle.q.dodson@nasa.gov