Student-Led Space and Science Research

Research Summary

This project connects UCCS students, faculty, industry partners, and the Southern Colorado community through hands-on aerospace research and STEM education. In partnership with the U.S. Space Force Space Domain Awareness Tools, Applications, and Research (SDA TAP) Lab and Cool Science, students will apply their skills to real-world national security challenges while helping bring science, engineering, and space exploration to younger learners across the region.

The initiative builds on active student research in space domain awareness—including analysis of satellite separation events and behaviors involving camouflage, concealment, and deception—and extends that expertise into community-facing STEM workshops, school visits, and campus experiences. Together, these pathways create a model where students learn by doing, contribute to consequential research, and inspire the next generation of STEM innovators.

The Problem: Students need opportunities to translate classroom learning into experience solving complex, real-world challenges, while younger students and underserved communities need greater access to engaging STEM experiences and pathways. Bridging these gaps requires stronger connections among universities, industry and government partners, schools, and community organizations.
The Innovation: This project creates a two-way pipeline for STEM innovation. UCCS students work directly with Space Force partners on real space domain awareness challenges, then help translate science and engineering into accessible, hands-on experiences for the broader community. By connecting advanced research with public STEM engagement, the project turns student learning into both professional experience and community impact.

Learn about the Cool Science Org

Community and Industry Impact

Through partnerships with the SDA TAP Lab, Cool Science, and the UCCS Pre-Collegiate Support and Success Center, the project strengthens connections among UCCS, the region's aerospace ecosystem, schools, and Southern Colorado communities. Community-facing workshops, school visits, and campus experiences make STEM concepts more accessible while introducing younger learners to pathways in science, engineering, and space.

Student Engagement and Mentorship

Students gain direct experience working alongside faculty and external partners on authentic aerospace and national security problems. Research projects using actual mission data develop technical, analytical, communication, and collaborative skills while faculty and professional mentorship helps students connect academic learning to careers in aerospace, defense, engineering, and research.

Increasing UCCS Visibility

The project showcases UCCS as a bridge between higher education, the region's aerospace and defense sector, and community STEM education. Student research, professional partnerships, conference participation, and public outreach create opportunities to increase awareness of UCCS expertise while demonstrating the university's role in developing Colorado's future STEM and aerospace workforce.

Timeline

PROJECT DELIVERABLES

Campus-based STEM experiences for pre-collegiate students
Collaboration with the Pre-Collegiate Support and Success Center
Student presentations and dissemination of aerospace research
A sustainable model connecting research, student mentorship, and community outreach

Phase 1

Partnership & Program Development

Formalize project pathways with SDA TAP Lab, Cool Science, and campus partners.
Identify student research and mentorship opportunities.

Phase 2

Student Research

Mentor student teams working on space domain awareness challenges.
Develop hands-on STEM activities and supporting educational materials.
Prepare students to communicate complex research to public audiences.

Professional Bio

Dr. Lynnane George is an Associate Professor of Teaching in the UCCS Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with more than 30 years of aerospace experience spanning NASA, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and nonprofit organizations. Her career includes military satellite launches, management of the Cassini mission to Saturn, development of advanced spacecraft technologies, and human mission design for Mars. She has also taught space systems at the U.S. Air Force Academy and maintains active partnerships with the Space Force.

Dr. George combines this extensive aerospace experience with a focus on education and mentorship, creating opportunities for students to contribute to authentic space research and translate their expertise into community STEM engagement. She also serves as Vice President of Cool Science, supporting efforts to expand public access to science, engineering, and space education throughout the region.

Student Presentation Video Coming Soon!

Hear the 2025 Student Presentations in Upcoming Video