Not Just for Engineers: Broadening the Space Pipeline

In this week's episode of Space Minds, Sara Alvarado, Executive Director for the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space, known as SEDS, sits down with host David Ariosto.

In this conversation, Alvarado, shares insights on her organization’s role in nurturing the next generation of space professionals. She highlights the student-led nature of SEDS, which supports innovative collegiate projects such as reusable rocketry and CubeSat missions.

Alvarado emphasizes the importance of community outreach, including programs where university students mentor younger students, enabling middle and high schoolers to engage directly with space technology. She also touches on her personal journey—from growing up in Colombia with limited access to space programs to leveraging her background in economics to lead SEDS and promote inclusivity in the space industry.

The discussion also explores broader challenges in STEM education and diversity within the space sector. She notes the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration, showcasing how fields like finance and healthcare are becoming more integrated into the space economy.