We are thrilled to share the incredible success of the second year of our NASA Here2Observe (H2O) program partnership between California State University, Channel Island (CSUCI) and the Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor Mission.
The H2O program pairs talented undergraduate students from (CSUCI) with mentors and team members from the cutting-edge NEO Surveyor mission—NASA’s telescope designed to hunt for near-Earth objects and protect our planet.
A Year of Stellar Exploration and Mentorship
This year, our close-knit cohort supported 12 brilliant students, seamlessly welcoming three enthusiastic new members to the team following the graduation of three of our Year 1 peers. Our cohort gathered monthly for immersive, behind-the-scenes field trips to some of SoCal’s most prestigious scientific institutions. These visits provided hands-on exposure to world-class research facilities and industry professionals:
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
UC Los Angeles (UCLA)
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Griffith Observatory
UC Santa Barbara (UCSB)
The impact of these monthly visits was profound, opening doors to graduate school pathways, career opportunities, and a deep sense of belonging in the space sciences.
One of the most inspiring highlights of Year 2 was watching the natural leadership emerge within the group. Our returning second-year students stepped up beautifully as peer mentors, guiding the incoming first-year students through the nuances of research, networking, and academic life in STEM.
All 12 students had the opportunity to attend the American Astronomical Society (AAS) conference – two years in a row – and most of them presented their own research this year!
The benefit of those staying in the program a second year was astronomical (pun intended), because they could really immerse themselves in the world of STEM, pursue individual academic or career interests, and make deep and meaningful connections with each other and mission team members. Seeing our CSUCI students present their work alongside world-renowned planetary scientists was a powerful testament to the impact of the Here2Observe mission and their dedication.
Celebrating Our Achievements at UCLA
To cap off this phenomenal year, the cohort gathered at UCLA for our final end-of-the-year meeting. The students took center stage to present their accomplishments, sharing the scientific milestones they achieved, the technical skills they mastered, and the invaluable lessons they learned about planetary defense.
‘If I could say anything to a future H2O scholar, I would say ‘know the privilege that you have to be in this program because only good things will come from being in it.‘” – Hydee doing a Summer REU at UC Santa Cruz
“Some of the most meaningful moments were being exposed to scientific research – it’s easy to think about research but to actually be in it and see what’s happening – you can envision yourself in that position and see where you fit” – Julia applying to join the Air Force
“I’m proud of myself because I’m the first in my household to do research and go to grad school” – Juan Luis going to Iowa State University for grad school
I went into this program now really knowing what I wanted to do… my questions was always “WHY?” but this year, I focused more on the “HOW?”
I realize that asking “why?” is not the wrong question to ask, but a different question is better like “how”.
I realize now that there are ways that I can get there but it is a matter of “How do I access those resources to get there?” – Kaya new president of Society of Physics Students at CSUCI
“I have been pushed further than I ever would have on my own” – Kaya applying to grad school Winter ’26
“Gave me a better understanding of STEM pathways – no one’s journey is the same. One of my big things is outreach – if I couldn’t do something, I would try to share it with others. I like the community and learning about new opportunities and push them out to everybody!” – Javier attending UC Davis for grad school
“My second year really made me think about grad school and I enjoyed finding a community from this program – I really think that because of you all [her cohort] I’m here – you guys believe in me and inspire me – H2O has helped me realize that I am capable of much more and I’m really grateful for this program” – Bennedy interning at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Summer 2026
To future H2O students: “Try to make the most out of it, try to find what you love and chase it!” Jhovanny working as a CSUCI Intern
“The H2O experience was more than what I expected. I honestly thought I would just go to some talks and then go home…now I have grown closer to my cohort, my sense of belonging in STEM grew, I presented at AAS and people were asking ME about how I did it…H2O changed my life” – Juan Luis
“One of the things I thought was extremely helpful was working on our CVs and the writing workshops we had together – prior to that I had no idea how I would apply to grad school!” – Joseph attending SDSU for grad school
CONGRATULATIONS CSUCI-H2O GRADUATES!!!
We are incredibly proud of this cohort’s hard work, determination, and collaborative spirit. It has been truly special to see their growth as a community and we wish them all the best. We cannot wait to see where their journeys lead them as they continue to reach for the stars!
We will see our returning/new students this Fall 2026!
Have a great summer!