Capitol College Student Ambassadors to Work with NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement Mission in New Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kyle Anderson

Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

301-369-2800, ext. 3015

Capitol College Student Ambassadors to Work with NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement Mission in New Program

LAUREL, Md. (May 16, 2012) – Capitol College has partnered with NASA and created the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission Student Ambassadors Program, which will allow students the opportunity to work with NASA’s GPM mission and Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).

By entering the program, students will develop a thorough understanding of TRMM and GPM science and engineering through special sessions with GPM staff and self-study.

“We're very excited to have the opportunity to work with Capitol College students as part of our outreach because precipitation affects everyone," said Dr. Dalia Kirschbaum, applications scientist and education and public outreach coordinator for the GPM mission. “Earth is a water planet, and using satellites to measure where and how much it rains and snows around the world is vital for everything from managing freshwater resources for things like drinking water and crops to improving our understanding of weather and climate.”

After learning the science behind the missions, students will develop interactive web-based or hands-on games, activities and presentations for K-12 students, focused on GPM themes and messages. This work will contribute to the NASA goal of attracting and retaining students in STEM disciplines, by inspiring students of all ages.

“Capitol College and our Center for Space Science Education and Public Outreach are honored to be invited to participate in the GPM mission education and public outreach program (EPO),” said Dr. Michael Gibbs, vice president for advancement and director of Capitol’s Center for Space Science Education and Public Outreach. “We look forward to working with the EPO program to advance not only the mission and their educational goals, but also STEM education.”

Initially this pilot program will involve students from Capitol College due to the school’s proximity to GSFC and the connection the college has with TRMM activities. Following the test of this concept with Capitol College, the program will expand to other interested colleges and universities with the help of the Precipitation Measurement Missions Science Team. All participating schools and student ambassadors will be selected according to a competitive application process.

The program will begin in the fall of 2012 and will run through fall of 2016.

Capitol College is the only independent college in Maryland dedicated to education in engineering, computer science, information technology and business through practices of leadership and innovation. Founded in 1927, Capitol offers associate, bachelor’s and master's degrees, a doctor of science in information assurance, professional development training and certificates. Academic programs are grounded in centers of excellence; these include the Space Operations Institute, the Critical Infrastructures and Cyber Protection Center, the Innovation and Leadership Institute, and the Center for Space Science Education and Public Outreach. The college campus is located in Laurel, Maryland, a suburban setting midway between Baltimore and Washington, DC. www.capitol-college.edu.

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