The 2022 International Space Station Research and Development Conference (ISSRDC) will include a luncheon keynote session featuring Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten. In her keynote address, taking place on Tuesday, July 26, Marten will discuss the critical importance of pushing boundaries through education to prepare the workforce of tomorrow for the future and how the space station can play a key role in furthering educational opportunities for all.
ISSRDC is hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc., manager of the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory; NASA; and the American Astronautical Society. The conference will take place July 25-28, 2022, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. This is the only conference specifically dedicated to highlighting research and development opportunities available onboard the space station. ISSRDC connects leaders and innovators to showcase how space-based research and technology development is contributing scientific knowledge to humanity while also building commerce in low Earth orbit.
The space station also serves as an incredible learning platform capable of inspiring the next generation of explorers. Over the years, students have launched investigations of their own to the orbiting outpost while educators leverage curriculum that demonstrates the differences between conducting investigations in low Earth orbit versus Earth-based conditions.
Marten has a distinguished career in education, most recently as the superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District. In 32 years as an educator and author, she has increased graduation rates and championed award-winning policies for staff and students.
“We are honored that Deputy Secretary Marten will join us at ISSRDC this year in Washington, D.C.,” said Samantha Thorstensen, director of educational programs for the ISS National Laboratory. “The ISS National Lab has placed a heavy emphasis on enabling students to utilize the ISS, one of humankind’s greatest technological and learning achievements. Educational initiatives using this dynamic platform inspire our future leaders and provide educators with tools to advance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. We look forward to Deputy Secretary Marten’s remarks on how the Department of Education is looking at innovative pathways that lead students to successful careers in STEM-related fields.”
Registration for ISSRDC is now open. To learn more about the conference, including how to attend in person, please visit www.issconference.org.
