NASA SCoPE Program Equips Emerging Planetary Scientists with Public Engagement Skills

• NASA SCoPE and Arizona State University’s FORCE Summer School partnered to train seven undergraduate interns in science communication.
• The program focused on translating complex technical research into accessible narratives for non-expert audiences.
• The initiative concluded with two practical outreach events: a public laboratory open house and an academic poster session.

Science Communication Training

• SCoPE facilitated workshops on June 25–26, 2026, followed by additional mentoring office hours.
• Core training objectives included:
  • Identifying central research themes and crafting engaging messages.
  • Planning effective visitor interactions and managing public engagement logistics.
  • Developing strategies for both research poster presentations and interactive outreach stations.

Outreach and Application

• FORCE Open House:
  • Approximately 50 members of the public toured the laboratory to learn about high-pressure experiments that simulate planetary interiors.
  • Interns hosted themed stations to explain their scientific research to community visitors.
• Academic Poster Session:
  • Interns presented their findings to ASU faculty, staff, and students, facilitating professional discussion and feedback.

Program Impact

• By integrating communication training into the research internship, SCoPE helped emerging planetary scientists gain confidence in reaching broader audiences.
• The initiative strengthens the connection between cutting-edge research and the public through deliberate and thoughtful engagement techniques.