As part of a growing collaboration between the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to promote STEM education, Virgin Islands students will join students from around the world to learn about the array of opportunities available in the fields of STEM and how they can take part in internships, science education and citizen science activities offered by the space agency. The annual, week-long outreach event will offer 17 virtual sessions to be held Jan. 24-28 featuring live presentations from NASA scientists including Virgin Islander Simmione Fullwood. Another important topic to be explored throughout the week is climate change.

Fullwood grew up on St. Croix and dreamt of the stars. After graduating from college, she Islanded at NASA and now serves as a NASA flight service engineer with more than 23 years of engineering experience. “I’m excited to join this event because I want youth from all over and especially the Virgin Islands to know that no matter who you are or what your circumstance, you too can be a part of the NASA family,” she said. “Getting a good education will lead you to that dream which is exactly how I got here.”  

UVI President Dr. David Hall encourages all Virgin Islands students and educators to participate. “The University of the Virgin Islands is honored once again to host this outstanding educational event, and to work in collaboration with NASA, a world-renowned agency for scientific exploration and innovation,” said Dr. Hall. “This event will not only highlight the work of students in the Virgin Islands and nationally but will be an inspiration to educators as well. As a University we are deeply concerned about climate change and our Caribbean Center for Green Technology has been a leading resource in the Virgin Islands for addressing this challenge. To have climate change as a focus for this gathering will make this undertaking more relevant to the preservation of these beautiful islands which we call home. As President I look forward to welcoming all participants and participating in this worthy educational endeavor.” 

More information is available in a news release on the Media Section of the UVI Website-www.uvi.edu/ - and from this direct link