Two iLEAD teams, Team Seagrass and Team Yucca, recently sent experiments to space through the iLEAD DreamUp to Space Design Challenge. In mid-November 2022, Team Seagrass Principal Investigators Caydi and Teya and Team Yucca Principal Investigator Grace Stumpf traveled to the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) conference to represent their teams.

ASGSR is a conference where scientists from around the world gather to share their research. To attend this conference, the learners submitted proposal abstracts about their experiments. After a long wait, Team Yucca and Team Seagrass received acceptance letters. Then, on November 10, Caydi, Teya, and Grace flew to Houston, Texas, to present their research alongside other high school and undergraduate students who were also selected to present.

Prior to presenting, Caydi, Teya, and Grace met with mentors and subject matter experts to practice. Both teams created science posters that explained their experiments.

The three presented for over an hour about their experiments, goals, and hypotheses. Later, they gathered their feedback packets, which were graded by five judges. They earned scores between 37 and 42, out of 40.

The experience helped our learners gain confidence in trying something new and challenging and solid public speaking skills. We are proud of Caydi, Teya, and Grace for representing their teams, families, and iLEAD California at the ASGSR conference.

Watch the video here: