The Global Leadership Organization of Business and Education (GLOBE) invited senior research scientist Dr. Jonathan H. Jiang of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to speak to students on May 23.
Jiang’s work at NASA involves research in satellite remote sensing, space studies, astrophysics and the exploration of extraterrestrial intelligence. Jiang has been a researcher at NASA for over three decades, contributing to developments such as his application of Earth climate models to exoplanet atmospheres. He also has extensive experience in the fields of climate science and astrophysics.
GLOBE Leader Katelynn You ’26 said the speaker offered insights into careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
“Dr. Jiang gave students a rare glimpse into what a real career in space science looks like,” You said. “What resonated with me most was his point that exploring space is also about protecting our planet and planning for humanity’s future.”
GLOBE Leader Nicolas Monroe ’26 said the event offered students the chance to speak with an expert in science.
“The event offered students an opportunity to hear from a well established figure in a field that is traditionally harder to access than others,” Monroe said. “Dr. Jiang was able to present complicated information and tons of statistics in a way that was incredibly accessible.”
Markenever Dai ’26 said he appreciated the event because of Jiang’s enthusiasm for science.
“I enjoyed the passion and energy of the speaker,” Dai said. “He engaged the audience and kept everyone interested throughout the entire presentation. I really enjoyed that he talked about his personal work first, then transitioned into bigger topics like the future of jobs and technology.”
Dai said the event informed him about careers in STEM and inspired him to continue down that path.
“Before the event, I thought working in places like NASA or space research required a deep understanding of astronomy or astrophysics,” Dai said. “But I learned that engineers, physicists, technologists and mathematicians are the ones who really drive the field forward. Hearing that STEM will continue to play a major role in shaping the future made me even more excited about pursuing that path.”
You said she hopes the event inspired students to pursue a path in STEM.
“I want people to leave feeling inspired and realize that there are so many ways, beyond just engineering, to be part of the future of space,” You said.
