2021 EMER-GEN® Inspires Space Careers
The 4th annual EMER-GEN® Program returned to Maui September 12-14 with young professionals and students pursuing space careers excited to meet once again in-person after a year of virtual. A joint initiative of the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference and the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), the program focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among the cohort.
Throughout the program, which included three pre-event webinars, participants were challenged to hack and solve problems with critical-thinking exercises to create new opportunities for space-based technologies. Discussions ranged widely, from effective multi-cultural communication and leadership qualities to inter-agency cooperation for long-term sustainability of the space environment. A mentor session assisted with career choices and opportunities, and specialists in Space Situational Awareness (SSA), Space Traffic Management (STM), and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) presented short courses to upgrade technical skills and keep the cohort abreast of recent developments in these fields of special interest.
“MEDB was honored to provide a dialogue platform for the 36 young professionals who joined the 2021 EMER-GEN cohort,” said Sandy Ryan, Conference Director for MEDB. “This experience continues to provide a significant pathway into future careers.”
The event, held with Maui County approval, was focused on health and safety for all involved. All participants were checked for proof of vaccination or negative covid-test prior to arriving in Maui (if travelling interstate) OR within 3 days of the event for those local to Hawaii. Protocols included wearing of masks, social distancing and limiting the footprint of the event to the one venue.
