NASA�??s Space Tech Prize
Bolsters Diversity, Inclusivity Champions
MAR 13, 2024
RELEASE 24-039
Credits: NASA
NASA selected the first winners of the agency�??s Space Tech Catalyst prize to expand engagement with underrepresented and diverse individuals in the space technology sector as part of
the agency�??s broader commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. The winners are receiving $25,000 each to create more inclusive space technology ecosystems.
�??As NASA continues to explore the unknown, making the impossible possible, we are committed to engaging talents from all backgrounds to advance exploration,�?� said Shahra Lambert, NASA
senior advisor for engagement. �??By providing funding to this space technology community, NASA is ensuring the Artemis Generation will have the necessary tools to expand humanity�??s reach.�?�
Winning individuals and organizations demonstrate the best collaboration practices with diverse researchers, technologists, and entrepreneurs. The champions also bring effective strategies
that contribute to NASA�??s ongoing efforts to develop a representative space technology landscape, while enhancing its ability to find creative solutions to technical challenges.
The winners are:
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Caitlin O�??Brien, SciAccess, Inc.
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Zainab Abbas, SciTech@U
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Bahiy Watson, The 1881 Institute
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Amber Imai-Hong, Mahina Aerospace
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Marta Miletic, San Diego State University
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Felecia Brown, NorthStar of GIS
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Diego Sandoval, Cyncrocity
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Arif Rahman, Hawaii Pacific University
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Sierra Brown
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Denise Thorsen, University of Alaska Fairbanks
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Joshua Neubert, Institute of Competition Sciences
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Madison Feehan, Space Copy, Inc.
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Johnie Turnage, Black Tech Saturdays
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Athip Thirupathi Raj, University of Arizona SpaceTREx Lab
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Janeya Griffin, Equity Space Alliance, Inc.
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Annika Rollock, Aurelia Institute
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M. von Nkosi, Institute for Local Innovations, Inc.
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Joseph Grant, New Generation Solutions SST
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Sambit Bhattacharya, Fayetteville State University
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Dalia David, Honest Eating, LLC
Each winner was selected for proving their ability to engage and develop underrepresented groups in space technology development, broaden NASA�??s outreach efforts to diverse sources
of developers, and build a community of emerging innovators equipped to compete for the agency�??s technology development opportunities.
�??We are proud to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of these exceptional individuals and organizations leading the way in building an inclusive community in space technology
for the benefit of humanity,�?� said Denna Lambert, inclusive innovation team lead, 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 increase collaboration between NASA and its community partners, each winner will attend an in-person event at NASA�??s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Representatives
from NASA and the winning organizations will participate in community-building activities to emphasize knowledge sharing, increase awareness of NASA�??s competitive research and development environment, and expand the agency�??s reach into diverse innovator communities.
The Space Tech Catalyst Prize, funded by STMD, is part of a commitment to expand NASA�??s network of competitive proposers and enhance engagement approaches.
For more information, visit:
https://www.spacetechcatalystprize.org/
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