Robin McDougal, New Frontiers In Space Workforce Panelist

NEWFRONTIERSINSPACE & THEFUTUREWORKFORCE

Presented by

Virginia Tech Center for Space Science and Engineering Research (Space@VT) & The Aerospace Corporation

NEW FRONTIERS IN SPACE AND THE FUTURE WORKFORCE

Virginia Tech’s Center for Space Science and Engineering Research (Space@VT) and The Aerospace Corporation invite you to a conference that focuses on the workforce needed in the space sector. Space exploration and utilization are in a period of rapid and spectacular growth. The tangible benefits of space-based innovation and development are numerous and motivate the emerging space economy. New skills are needed for this age. We will explore the role that universities and community colleges play in advancing technology development while training the future workforce. The conference will bring together leaders from industry, government, non-profit and academic institutions to chart a path for the future

CONTEXT

Space exploration and utilization are in a period of rapid and spectacular growth. Space has become far more accessible and much less expensive. The reduction in size, weight, and power of space instrumentation has led to significantly more capabilities in space. In-space servicing of space assets is becoming a reality NASA is returning to the moon for extended operations and considering habitation. Communications and internet delivery systems are increasingly operated from space, including from massive satellite constellations. Earth observation satellites used in many disciplines are now operated by more than 50 countries with an increasingly innovative private sector, including new types of “ space companies” that are smaller, nimbler, and work at speeds unheard of in the past.

The tangible benefits of space-based innovation and development are numerous and motivate the emerging space economy. They extend the utilization of space to orbits stretching from typical low Earth orbit to that of the moon, leading to a new era for space and the so-called cislunar enterprise Opportunities will eventually include mining and space manufacturing New skills are needed for this new age. Employees need to be able to both “build it and fly it”, to have able to work at the enterprise level, to have multi-disciplinary knowledge and digital fluency.

NEW FRONTIERS IN SPACE AND THE FUTURE WORKFORCE SESSIONS

SESSION 1: New Frontiers in Space

Focus on the changing dynamics in the industry, particularly the role of companies that have entered the space industry in recent years and how they are changing the field. Where are technologies going and what new activities are we doing in space? What capabilities are required to achieve plans for the future?

SESSION 2: Ensuring the Right Talent to Meet Workforce Needs

What are some best practices in workforce development? What skills does the industry need and what are the current gaps? What steps need to be taken today to ensure that the future space workforce is representative of the United States?

BREAKOUT DISCUSSION 1

:

Attendees and panelists break out into smaller groups to brainstorm ideas to address topics discussed in Session 1 or 2

LUNCH BREAK

SESSION 3: Building the Pipeline

K-12 Initiatives in STEM: We cannot start too soon in developing student interest and academic skills needed for careers in space. What initiatives are taking place and what are the ideas for the future?

BREAKOUT DISCUSSION 2:

Attendees and panelists break out into smaller groups to brainstorm ideas to address Session 3 topics.

NEW FRONTIERS IN SPACE AND THE FUTURE WORKFORCE

Session 1 Panelists

Kara Cunzeman

Director of Strategic Foresight

The Center for Space Policy and Strategy at The Aerospace Corporation

Kara Cunzeman leads strategic foresight at The Aerospace Corporation, spearheading innovative approaches in space policy, strategy, and operations. As founder of the Strategic Foresight directorate, she advises organizations on preparing for future challenges. With a diverse background in government, academia, and industry, Cunzeman is a respected advisor and thought leader. Previously, she contributed to national issues at Aerospace's Project West Wing and held engineering roles at Raytheon and General Atomics. Cunzeman played a crucial part in securing NASA funding at Packer Engineering. She holds engineering degrees from Purdue University, is a certified foresight practitioner, and teaches at institutions like the Institute for the Future and the International Space University.

Eric Ingram

Founder and CEO

SCOUT Space Inc.

Eric Ingram is the Founder and CEO of SCOUT Space Inc., focusing on orbital products and services for space safety. He's also a Board Member at the Space Frontier Foundation and involved with Mission: AstroAccess. Previously, he worked as an Aerospace Engineer at the FAA and Deep Space Industries. Eric holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics, part of a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, a sport pilot certificate, and is pursuing SCUBA certification. He also served as President of the United States Wheelchair Rugby Association, showcasing leadership and sportsmanship.

NEW FRONTIERS IN SPACE AND THE FUTURE WORKFORCE

Session 1 Panelists

Robert L. Ganim

Director of Government Affairs and Business Development

Starburst Aerospace

Robert L. Ganim boasts a diverse career spanning various industries and roles, currently serving as Director of Government Affairs and Business Development at Starburst Aerospace. With past positions including Principal at Ganim Strategic Advisors LLC and Strategic Development Advisor at EQTEC plc, Ganim has demonstrated expertise in government affairs, business development, and strategic planning. Their educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Connecticut, complemented by a Graduate Certificate from the USAF Air Command and Staff College. Ganim's career journey reflects a commitment to excellence in navigating the intersections of government, business, and strategic planning.

Robbie

Robertson

CEO and Co-founder, Sedero Corporation

Robbie leads product design, corporate strategy, and business development at Sedaro, specializing in digital twin cloud software for the Aerospace Industry. With prior research roles at Space@VT, Los Alamos National Laboratory, AFRL, and the German QUEST Institute, he brings extensive experience in simulation and visualization software. Before co-founding Sedaro, Robbie served as the first employee and Product Development Manager at Ibeos, focusing on space avionics. His portfolio includes designing, prototyping, and testing space avionics, structures, and instruments for various missions, including the Dream Chaser spaceplane and Beresheet lunar lander. Dr. Robertson holds a B.S. and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Tech, where he led mechanical design projects, developed solar radiation pressure models, and installed space weather instruments in Antarctica.

NEW FRONTIERS IN SPACE AND THE FUTURE WORKFORCE

Session 1 Moderator

Maria Bothwell CEO and Board Chair of Toffler Associates

As CEO and Board Chair of Toffler Associates, I specialize in foresight analysis, risk management, and strategic scenario planning, advising CEOs and Boards. With a track record of success in turnaround, transformation, innovation, and resilience, I've led companies through high-stakes risk management, growth strategies, and resiliency building. Known for pragmatic solutions, I've led various business initiatives including growth, acquisition integration, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and employee engagement. Outside of work, I'm passionate about supporting STEM education, addressing hunger, and outdoor activities like skiing and trail running. I serve on advisory boards for Virginia Tech and various charitable organizations, and I've spoken on topics such as future trends, workforce, and business transformation across multiple industries including Communications, Utilities, Retail, and Aerospace.

NEW FRONTIERS IN SPACE AND THE FUTURE WORKFORCE

Session 2 Panelists

James Fishenden

General Manager of the Advanced Technology Division

The Aerospace Corporation

James C. Fishenden is the general manager of the Advanced Technology Division (ATD) of the National Systems Group at The Aerospace Corporation based in Chantilly, Virginia. The division supports the national security space and intelligence community in the acquisition, launch, operation, and exploitation of advanced capabilities. Previously, Fishenden was the principal director of the Advanced Research and Engineering (AR&E) Subdivision where he was responsible for support to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). Fishenden has also supported the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Technical Executive and the Office of Geospatial Management. Before joining Aerospace, Fishenden was a civil servant for the U.S. Navy. Fishenden earned a bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in systems and information engineering from the University of Virginia.

Jackie Kendall

Chief Knowledge Officer

Science Systems and Applications, Inc (SSAI)

Jackie Kendall has been integral to SSAI's mission of advancing Earth and space science, engineering solutions, and talent development for over three decades. Starting as a research assistant with a background in biochemistry, she transitioned into supporting NASA Earth science projects, focusing on data analysis and remote sensing algorithm development. Evolving into systems engineering, Jackie's expertise now lies in enhancing science data processing systems. As Chief Knowledge Officer, she facilitates SSAI's growth by identifying and fostering innovative technologies, implementing learning programs for staff development, and establishing partnerships to cultivate future STEM talent. Jackie's dedication drives SSAI's success in advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation.

NEW FRONTIERS IN SPACE AND THE FUTURE WORKFORCE

Session 2 Panelists

Greg Richardson

Executive Director of the consortium and primary interface to NASA Consortium for Space Mobility and ISAM Capabilities (COSMIC)

Gregory G. Richardson, Executive Director of COSMIC and a Senior Project Leader at The Aerospace Corporation, specializes in space systems design, engineering, and mission execution. Leading efforts in evolvable space structures, in-space servicing, and space access, Richardson supports government clients on various space initiatives, particularly in national security. With prior involvement in DARPA programs like System F6 and Orbital Express, he focuses on cluster flight operations and satellite servicing. Richardson's contributions include studies on on-orbit servicing technologies and business cases. Formerly a flight control engineer for Boeing Phantom Works, he has authored numerous publications in space technology.

Erica Rodgers

Director of Advanced Programs

NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy

Dr. Erica Rodgers serves as the director of advanced programs at NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS). In this role, she shapes and leads studies crucial to NASA’s mission by providing data-driven advice on technology, policy, and strategy. Rodgers spearheads the Science and Technology Partnership Forum, fostering collaboration among U.S. space agencies, and plays a pivotal role in shaping national space policy. With expertise spanning space science, engineering, and mission operations, she guides OTPS’s portfolio to address NASA's evolving needs. Rodgers holds a doctorate in space physics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and has received recognition for her contributions to NASA.

NEW FRONTIERS IN SPACE AND THE FUTURE WORKFORCE

Session 2 Moderator

Afroze Mohammed

Associate Director for Strategic Alliances, Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement

Afroze Mohammed serves as Associate Director for Strategic Alliances in Virginia Tech’s Center for Economic and Community Engagement and is based in Arlington, VA. She focuses on building strong partnerships between Virginia Tech and organizations in metropolitan Washington, DC, with the goal of fostering greater collaboration in research endeavors, entrepreneurial activities, and economic development. She works with a diverse group of companies, non-profits, and county, state, and federal organizations.

Prior to joining Virginia Tech, Afroze directed successful product marketing and alliance development programs at leading energy, educational technology, and telecommunications software companies. At the CURRENT Group, an innovative smart grid company, Afroze developed a partnership program with complementary technology providers. Earlier, as Director of Product Marketing at Blackboard Inc., Afroze led marketing initiatives for Blackboard's flagship e-learning products. In the academic arena, she worked as a Research Associate at Harvard Business School, developing best-selling case studies on topics in marketing, policy, operations, and international business. Afroze has an M.B.A. from the Yale School of Management and a B.A. in Economics, summa cum laude, from Georgetown University.

NEW FRONTIERS IN SPACE AND THE FUTURE WORKFORCE

Session 3 Panelists

Chris Carter, Director, Virginia Space Grant Consortium

Chris Carter is Director of the VSGC. The VSGC receives seed funding from NASA to coordinate and develop STEM education, research, and workforce development programs statewide. Carter holds a B.S. in Management Science from Virginia Tech and an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from East Tennessee State University (ETSU). Prior to joining the VSGC, Carter served as Training Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at ETSU. He has also worked as a Workforce Training and Development Instructor with the Adult Education Department Virginia and as an adjunct faculty at several community colleges.

Robin McDougal Chief Exploration Officer Interstellar Dreams Space Center

Robin McDougal is the CEO of Interstellar Dreams Space Center, part of The Pearl Project Institute for Innovation in STEM Literacy. With 20+ years in STEM education and space entrepreneurship, she emphasizes experiential learning for youth, particularly girls, to foster future leaders in the commercial space sector. McDougal collaborates with George Mason University's College of Science Observatory, offering space simulations, engineering challenges, and talent development from middle school to college. She empowers educators and community leaders with critical thinking modules and promotes STEM through seminars, internships, and business acceleration for space entrepreneurs. McDougal utilizes social media to advocate her mission, bridging education and space exploration.

NEW FRONTIERS IN SPACE AND THE FUTURE WORKFORCE

Session 3 Panelists

Adalene "Nene" Spivy

Executive Director Children’s Science Center

Adalene "Nene" Spivy, Executive Director of the Children’s Science Center, has significantly expanded its impact since 2010, reaching numerous children, families, and educators through lab and mobile STEM programs. Leading operations and driving the development of the new Northern Virginia Science Center, Nene collaborates with Loudoun County and the Science Museum of Virginia. With an engineering background and an MBA, she brings extensive experience in technology and nonprofit management, including fundraising and strategic planning. Serving on multiple boards and holding leadership roles in community organizations, Nene's commitment to STEM education is evident. She holds degrees from Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.

Session 3 Moderator

Jim Egenrieder, Director, STEM Education, and Workforce Development, Virginia Tech

Dr. James A. Egenrieder is a D.C.-based expert in public education, STEM workforce development, and sustainable energy. As Director of Virginia Tech's Thinkabit Labs, he focuses on STEM education and workforce initiatives. He leads programs in the Washington, D.C. area and globally, emphasizing opportunities for first-generation college students. Egenrieder also pioneers online STEM instruction for Arlington Public Schools and Virginia Tech, emphasizing hands-on, project-based learning. He serves on several boards, including the Washington Academy of Sciences and the Children's Science Center of Northern Virginia. Egenrieder is committed to preparing the future workforce for technical careers and promoting equitable access to education.