Students participating in the 2026 Student Airborne Research Program (SARP) recently welcomed NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson, and Dr. Nicola Fox, Associate Administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, to the SARP deployment at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas.
During the visit, students had the opportunity to share their research projects, discuss their experiences participating in an airborne field campaign, and ask questions about careers in science, engineering, and NASA missions. The conversations provided a unique opportunity for students to engage directly with NASA leaders while gaining insight into the many paths that can lead to a career in STEM.
Students, mentors, and members of the aircraft and instrument teams also spent time with Dr. Fox discussing Earth science research and the collaborative efforts that make field campaigns like SARP possible.
The visit highlighted one of the program’s most valuable experiences: connecting the next generation of researchers with the scientists, engineers, and leaders working to advance NASA’s mission and our understanding of Earth.
