Space Grant Activity Areas
Administration
Oversee St. Cloud State University activities and provide data for NASA reports.
Scholarships, Fellowships, Internships
Provide scholarship support for students at SCSU who are majoring in Atmospheric Science and astronomy-related fields of study. Primary focus is on data analysis from NEBP, the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project.
Higher Education
Developing and delivering curriculum coursework to students participating in the 2023-2024 NEBP.
Incorporating data from the NEBP into curricula for Introductory Meteorology (AHS 260) and Concepts of the Solar System (ASTR 106).
Support Arduino- and Raspberry Pi-based design and fieldwork projects as part of our Instrumentation (AHS 364) course.
Research
Atmospheric science-related research projects involving stratospheric ballooning.
[ New, as of Fall 2024 ] Working at the request of regional National Weather Service forecast offices to launch weather balloons during times of severe weather.
Informal Education / Outreach
Our campus planetarium averages 3,500 K–12 and public visitors each year, fostering a “Space is for Everyone” environment
Host to the annual “Statewide Star Party” in cooperation with the Bell Museum.
“Skype a Scientist” and “Letters to a Pre-Scientist” science ambassadors – impacting hundreds of K-12 students nationwide annually. Presentation foci are on atmospheric science and fieldwork, including the NEBP.
[ New, as of Fall 2024 ] Hands-on STEM workshops and field trips for members of the public wishing to learn more about local astrophotography opportunities.
Contact:
Rachel Humphrey, Assistant Professor
Department of Atmospheric and Hydrologic Sciences
Director of Planetarium Operations
E-mail:
rhumphrey@stcloudstate.edu