Jordan McKaigis a recent graduate of the University of Michigan (UM), where she double majored in Biology and International Studies. There, she developed a rover-based life detection techniques for implementation at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, and studied the evolution of antibiotic resistance in hospital pathogens. She spent the last two summers interning at NASA Ames Research Center with the Space Life Sciences Training Program, where she studied how terrestrial bacteria survive in Mars-like environments, what genetic changes occur in bacteria flown in space, and how high-altitude balloons can be used for astrobiological and atmospheric studies. Additionally, she loves swimming, yoga, hiking, and traveling. Jordan is thrilled to be a part of the Space Studies Board for the fall, and is looking forward to learning more about the role of policy in space exploration, particularly in relation to planetary protection.
Reflection: Participating in the Lloyd V. Berkner Space Policy Internship at The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Space Studies Board was an eye-opening and an altogether incredible experience. At the SSB, my three primary academic interests of biology, international studies, and space research blended together seamlessly as I dove into the nuanced world of space policy. Every day presented new and fascinating topics, and I cannot believe how much I have learned and experienced over the past ten weeks.
My time at the SSB happened to coincide with a major inflection point in planetary protection, a topic very relevant to my prospective future career in astrobiology. As the SSB conducted a review of a recent planetary protection report, I leaned about how planetary protection policy integrates perspectives from international and business relations, biology, planetary science, and engineering in order to ensure sustainable and responsible exploration of space. I also supported the upcoming decadal survey for the Committee on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space, for which I had the opportunity to travel to Irvine, CA for the committee meeting. That entire week, I was blown away by the sheer amount of brainpower in one room, and had a sense that I was observing the careful construction of the architecture for space biology and physics research that will define the next era of space exploration.
Beyond the doors of the Keck Center, I loved taking advantage of the plethora of space-related opportunities that DC offers. I attended events hosted by Brazil and the United Arab Emirates in their embassies, and by Japan in the Capitol Building, to learn about their respective space programs, congressional hearings focused on the rapidly-evolving Artemis program and the future of human and robotic spaceflight, and a space law conference focusing on how to mitigate emerging issues in space policy. I even got to attend the International Astronautical Congress, which happened to be in DC this year. I have never seen so many people passionate about space in one place, and it was amazing to learn about the wide variety of inspirational ideas for the future of space exploration from all around the globe.
When considering my future career as a scientist, I have always had vague and undefined hopes to be involved in policy engagement. After my time at the SSB, I have now seen very clear examples of how I can work to translate discoveries from space exploration into publicly accessible knowledge and benefits, and I look forward to carrying the lessons learned here as I continue to be involved in the space community. I was able to meet so many fascinating people, and was able to make connections with people that I hope to interact with throughout the rest of my career. I am so grateful to the SSB staff for being so welcoming and supportive, answering my many questions, sharing their expertise, and making me feel like a part of the team. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work here, and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity!