The annual EMER-GEN® program will bring together young professionals and students for professional development and challenges to help shape their careers and the future of space. The program kicks off August 27 with a series of three preparatory webinars leading into the onsite event September 14-16 on Maui, Hawaii.
EMER-GEN was founded in 2018 by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), host of the AMOS Conference in affiliation with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC). Participants engage in workshops, interactive table-top exercises, and mentoring sessions conducted by industry experts, gaining valuable insights into cutting-edge technologies, policy frameworks, and entrepreneurship in the space sector. The activities not only nurture their technical skills but also equip them with the leadership and teamwork abilities required to thrive in their careers.
Doug Loverro is one of the space industry professionals to be returning again as a mentor and speaker. A feature of the program since its inception, the former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy will give an interactive presentation that nurtures leadership skills and sets them up for success in the team-based exercises of EMER-GEN as well as in their careers.
“I think it’s an incredibly exciting program for both the instructors and for the students,” said Loverro, when asked why he keeps coming back. “We talk about topics and think about concepts that we don’t normally have time to think about in our daily jobs, and we get to do it in the most beautiful setting in the world. What’s not to like?”
Loverro will also participate in the popular mentoring session where experienced professionals share their experiences and provide insights into career development opportunities. Such mentorship is invaluable in encouraging participants to pursue their aspirations in the space sector with confidence.
Doug Loverro, Loverro Consulting LLC, leading an interactive exercise during EMER-GEN 2024
The specific challenges and topics within the program are shaped each year with the help of three young professionals–two representatives nominated by Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) and one based in Hawaii. Maui resident, Katie Stevens, an Application Engineer I at Maui High Performance Computing Center is using her experience from EMER-GEN 2024 to help coordinate this year’s program, including the Hawaii cultural component.
“Participants at EMER-GEN last year asked me why the program is hosted in Maui, and I think it’s because Hawaii is one of the most unique places in the world to study the stars both scientifically and culturally. The ocean creates a stable atmosphere with little light pollution that allows for studying and admiring the stars even with the naked eye. Constellations have paved the path for Polynesian voyaging and navigation.”
SGAC member, Aishling Dignam is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow based in Chile at the U.S. National Science Foundation National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory. The other SGAC representative, Mahhad Nayer is an alum of EMER-GEN 2023 and is a PhD Student, Graduate Research Assistant at Purdue University. Both Nayyer and Dignam will be presenting papers at the AMOS Conference in addition to participating in EMER-GEN.
“My experience on the program committee has been a learning and networking opportunity,” said Nayyer. “I’ve learned how much attention to detail is required to plan a transformative program like EMER‑GEN. I’ve also benefited from the AMOS team leadership in maintaining timelines, engaging prospective AMOS partners, and navigating setbacks. I’m looking forward to attending again to connect with other young professionals and explore their research passions.”
One of the most valuable aspects of EMER-GEN is the opportunity to build lasting connections with peers and professionals in the space community. Social events complement the workshops fostering connections, empowering participants to grow their networks and gain insights from a wide range of perspectives within the space sector.
“I loved the networking opportunities I received during my time at EMER-GEN,” added Stevens. “You meet so many people from different backgrounds who all have the common passion for studying space. Being on the planning committee this year, I enjoy being able to make this opportunity possible for others.”
Nayyer summed it up, “As a returning participant, I can assure first‑time attendees that EMER‑GEN offers excellent opportunities for learning, networking, and making lasting friendships.”
Learn more about the program and schedule at http://www.emer-gen.com.
The Space Generation Advisory Council is a global non-governmental, non-profit (US 501(c)3) organization and network which aims to represent university students and young space professionals ages 18 to 35 to the United Nations, space agencies, industry, and academia. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, the SGAC network of members, volunteers and alumni has grown to more than 13,000 members representing more than 150 countries.
The annual Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference, a program of the Maui Economic Development Board, is the premier technical conference in the nation devoted to space domain awareness. The cross section of military, contractor, and academic participation fuels important dialogue and collaboration on a national and international scale.
EMER-GEN Delegates benefit from networking in social events as well as in structured sessions.
Katie Stevens (right) participating in table-top exercises at EMER-GEN 2024
Industry experts are eager to support the next generation of space professionals