Congratulations to Dr. Gabriela Shirkey for receiving $300,000 from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) MOSAICS program! Her research project is titled Collaborative Nexus for Networking, Education, and Career Training in Surface Biology and Geology.

This project leverages expert leadership and training from two surface biology and geology (SBG) research institutions, Chapman University and JPL, to actively recruit, train, mentor, and retain future generations of SBG scientists. Drawing upon established leaders in the field, including ECOSTRESS and EMIT applications and science leads, the project unites four distinct research directions: terrestrial ecosystem and hydrological science, aquatic/coastal ecology, urban heat, and biodiversity. The collective objective is to synergize ECOSTRESS and EMIT efforts to address SBG priorities in preparation for the 2027 mission launch. Student engagement includes coursework and research appointments at Chapman, as well as JPL internships with research applications and routine, in-person career training. The primary outcomes of this project extend beyond peer-reviewed publications to include the development of open-source training and educational materials aimed at broadening access to ECOSTRESS and EMIT synergies. Ultimately, this partnership establishes the critical social infrastructure required to compete in a future Bridge proposal–other relevant funding solicitations–targeting SBG 2027 mission launch.

Congratulations again, Dr. Gabriela Shirkey!  We can’t wait to see what data and results come out of your research!

 

Click on this link to find out more information about the grant!

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-funds-research-projects-advancing-stem-career-development/