About Leadership for Space Careers

This JMHC program builds on Purdue’s storied history of preparing future leaders in Space innovation and exploration across disciplines. The goal is to train Honors College students in any academic college at the university for long-term leadership in Space careers. Rather than direct job placement, students are provided with the knowledge they need beyond technical skills to advance in their fields.

Program features:

"Mentorship circles" comprised of a senior and a junior professional from outside the university, three undergraduates, and one graduate student. Circles connect program members with Space leaders to discuss long-term leadership skills. They include women astronauts, professionals in public service and industry, and trade leadership strategies up and down career ladders or members’ year in college.
Site visit to a Space agency or company.
Exploration of Space-career options across disciplines.
Workshops, events, and public symposia vary each year. Topics may include interdisciplinary leadership, social and personal histories of space exploration and innovation, Purdue Space Archives, Space ethics, media training, Space policy, networking across Space disciplines, public outreach.
Social gatherings.
Space Ethics Research group (optional) through a 3-credit, 590 independent study (will become HONR credit).

This program grew out of and broadened the 2022-2025 Leading Women Toward Space Careers program.

In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University’s educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran. See Purdue’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance at vpec@purdue.edu or 765-494-5830.