(CGUHS) On Wednesday, January 31, students embarked on a journey to the University of Arizona (UArizona) in Tucson, courtesy of the Arizona NASA Space Grant Program. Welcomed by Michelle Coe, the Program Manager for the Arizona Space Grant Consortium and Manager for the Arizona NASA Space Grant Program, students were introduced to a day filled with educational opportunities.
During their visit, students had the privilege of sharing lunch with UArizona’s Students for the Exploration & Development of Space (SEDS) president and members, facilitated by CGUHS SEDS President Landri Howard. Engaging conversations with graduate engineering students and others provided valuable insights into university life at the University of Arizona.
Later, students had the opportunity to interact with Ph.D. students at the Arizona Astrobiology Center. Following a presentation and discussion on the center's research, the Ph.D. students shared their own areas of study, sparking a dynamic question and answer session. This exchange unveiled research prospects for high school students interested in science.
The tour continued at the Flandrau Planetarium & Science Center where our students explored captivating exhibits on Earth and the universe beyond our solar system, offering a glimpse into the wonders of space.
The pinnacle of the day was a colloquium featuring Dr. Lori Glaze, Director of NASA's Science Mission Directorate’s Planetary Science Division. Dr. Glaze provided insights into current and future planetary science missions, aligning with NASA's objectives outlined in the Decadal Survey and Congress's budget allocations. During the Q&A session, CGUHS freshman Zach Buchanan engaged Dr. Glaze with thought-provoking questions.
Among the CGUHS attendees were NASA Space Grant students Emily Geen, Landri Howard, Melody Limon, Zach Buchanan, and Aliceanna Villanueva, accompanied by CTE students Axel Carrera and Raymond Tomminelli, along with Audriana Arias, Chloe Gorgue, Angelina McQuilkin, and Rayne Tarmann.