ASU Space Welcomes 2024/2025 Student Ambassador Cohort

ASU Space is pleased to introduce its 2024/2025 ASU Space Student Ambassador cohort, a group of 15 ASU undergraduates passionate about shaping the future of space. During the program’s third year, ambassadors from a wide range of disciplines will gain exclusive access to space events and networks, explore diverse career paths and complete projects that prepare them to become the next generation of space sector leaders. In doing so, they’ll inspire their communities to get involved with ASU Space.

ASU Space unites several units throughout the university. By bringing together students, professors and industry experts from various fields, ASU Space is fostering a transdisciplinary approach to address the challenges of becoming an interplanetary species, breaking down academic silos and driving innovation across sectors and disciplines. The ASU Space Student Ambassador program, managed by the Interplanetary Initiative, embodies this inclusive principle by inspiring students to explore diverse opportunities and interests related to space. After a competitive application and interview process, a small cohort of interdisciplinary undergraduate students in their third year of study or beyond is admitted to the program. Ambassadors dedicate approximately 10 hours per month to ASU Space events and projects, showcasing the diverse ways students can engage with space.

In August, the ambassador program welcomed students from 11 different majors. Eight of these students are first time representatives of their respective academic programs which span across six schools and colleges at ASU,illustrating the program’s commitment to embracing a broad swath of perspectives and experiences.

For Hannah Roemer, a global studies major, the program’s inclusion of diverse fields of study offered an irresistible opportunity to explore the space industry. “My time here at ASU has been one for subverting expectations," she said. "My undergraduate experience in global studies has taught me to view problems from various perspectives and try innovative solutions to old and new issues. This mindset is one I'm proud to bring to the table as a Space Ambassador." Roemer is deeply interested in humanity’s connection to space—specifically, how close humans feel to the cosmos despite the physical distance.

That very distance inspires Lindsey Tober, a technological leadership major with a minor in film and media production. “Once, kids believed the sky was the limit, but now they know even our solar system isn't the boundary,” Tober said. “Space inspires people to achieve the impossible.” As an ambassador, she hopes to cultivate her leadership and communication skills by encouraging students to engage in space-related activities and network with space professionals. “As an aspiring space communicator, I’m excited for this program to provide the tools and confidence I need to inspire students and promote greater interest in space exploration,” she added. “ASU Space is teaching me how to bridge that gap.”

Lenoa Williamson, an innovation in society major, with a minor in conflict resolution, is similarly interested in building a future in space that works for people, not the other way around. “I'm passionate about paving a trusting and collaborative bridge between society and technology using the student communities and on-site space labs offered through ASU Space," Williamson said. "This program has already introduced me to new industry leaders and technological advancements that I wouldn't have otherwise encountered, and I'm looking forward to seeing how we as ambassadors can learn from each other as we get involved in different ASU Space initiatives.”

Yasmine Silva, an architecture major, also looks at space with a designer’s eye. “I love how space goes hand-in-hand with architecture,” she said. “It’s important to create spaces that support the longevity of humans, as well as allow them to thrive—rather than just survive—in space.” As she balances her architecture studies, Spanish minor, and ambassador responsibilities, Silva is also pursuing research with the Interplanetary Initiative's Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (IIURSP) as part of the Lunar Minimum Viable Infrastructure (MVI) project.

This year’s ambassador cohort embodies the program’s commitment of bringing together diverse perspectives, passions, and disciplines like never before. These 15 outstanding students will represent ASU Space at exclusive networking events and through professional development opportunities, they will hone their leadership skills, acquiring the practical knowledge needed to become the next space sector leaders.

Incoming and current ASU students are invited to subscribe to the Interplanetary Initiative newsletter to stay informed about exciting space projects and events. Students interested in applying for the 2025/2026 ASU Space Student Ambassador cohort should join the ASU Space student mailing list for updates on spring application deadlines and engagement opportunities.

Story written by Adrianna Nine.