STIA 4417: National Lab Space Research Forum

This seminar offers students a guided introduction to the cutting-edge space research conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL).

Over the course of the semester, participants will hear from prominent LLNL scientists and engineers working on topics such as spacecraft instrumentation, remote sensing, astrophysics, planetary defense, small sats, earth system science, and astrobiology.

Students will gain a unique perspective on the inner workings of a national laboratory, and how its structure, priorities, and mission differ from those of a university setting. Lectures will be supplemented with behind-the-scenes case studies of LLNL’s projects and virtual lab tours and reinforced through close reading and discussion of relevant publications that showcase innovative research.

Through interactive Q&A sessions, group discussions, and short presentations, students will deepen their understanding of the scientific, technical, and organizational challenges of national-lab–scale space research. By its close, students will be well positioned to engage confidently with mentors and hit the ground running if selected for Georgetown’s LLNL summer externship. Students will also be introduced to post-baccalaureate opportunities at national labs, helping them envision potential career pathways.