NASA STEM Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month

TL;DR

NASA highlights the valuable contributions of Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in supporting space exploration and inspiring future generations.

Transcript

[ MUSIC ] >> HI, MY NAME'S JONNY KIM, AND I'M A NASA ASTRONAUT. IN MY ROLE, I SUPPORT HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT OPERATIONS, AND RIGHT NOW, I AM SUPPORTING EXPEDITION 65, WHICH IS THE NEXT MISSION TO THE ISS AND HAS MY CREWMATES FROM SPACEX CREW-2 AND SOYUZ 64S. I ALSO SUPPORT ARTEMIS, WHICH IS OUR MISSION TO RETURN TO THE MOON AND BEYOND. BEING AN AAPI AT ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 NASA celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, acknowledging the valuable contributions of AAPI individuals to the space agency.
• 😤 AAPI individuals at NASA come from diverse backgrounds and bring their unique experiences, cultures, and skills to the team.
• 🛟 Representation and inspiration are significant aspects of being an AAPI at NASA, as these individuals serve as role models for future generations.
• 🧡 AAPI interns at NASA are actively involved in various fields such as biology, computer science, engineering, and physics, showcasing the broad range of opportunities within the agency.
• 👻 NASA values diversity and inclusion as core values, allowing AAPI individuals to bring their full selves to work and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in space exploration.
• ❓ AAPI individuals at NASA are committed to upholding the contributions of their predecessors and supporting the next generation of explorers.
• 👾 Being AAPI at NASA means breaking barriers and lowering obstacles for future engineers and scientists, encouraging a more inclusive and innovative space industry.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Jonny Kim's role at NASA, and what does being an AAPI mean to him?

Jonny Kim supports human spaceflight operations and the Artemis mission as a NASA astronaut. Being an AAPI at NASA means the opportunity to contribute, embrace his AAPI culture and heritage, and inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams.

Q: How does Elaine Ho contribute to NASA's mission as a Deputy Associate Administrator?

Elaine Ho leads NASA's Office of STEM Engagement, which aims to get students excited about pursuing STEM careers. She values being an AAPI at NASA and brings her diverse background, including being a daughter of first-generation Chinese immigrants and having experience as a lawyer and military service.

Q: What are Maya and Tyler's roles at NASA, and what does being AAPI mean to them?

Maya interns in biological diversity and ecological forecasting, using NASA data to fight future pandemics. Being AAPI at NASA means upholding past contributions and supporting future generations in exploration. Tyler develops software for launch control systems, emphasizing that anyone interested in space can contribute, regardless of ethnicity.

Q: How does Robyn contribute to NASA as an AAPI individual, and what does it mean to her?

Robyn does public affairs and recruiting for NASA Headquarters. She believes being an AAPI at NASA breaks down cultural barriers and serves as an example for diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in space. Being AAPI at NASA cultivates unity and a diverse culture.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• NASA astronaut Jonny Kim supports human spaceflight operations and the Artemis mission, emphasizing the privilege of providing representation and inspiration to the next generation.

• Elaine Ho, Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA's Office of STEM Engagement, celebrates AAPI individuals at NASA, highlighting how their diverse backgrounds contribute to tackling challenges and reaching new heights.

• AAPI interns Maya, Tyler, Robyn, Jae Won, and Bethany share their roles at NASA and what being AAPI means to them, including upholding past contributions, breaking barriers, and fostering unity.