Educational Outreach
I have experience speaking to large and small audiences of students ranging from Elementary school students, Middle School Science classes, High School Astronomy and Physics Classes, Community College and University Engineering Classes, through community events for all ages. I have also done outreach with FIRST Robotics groups and judged numerous competitions. My outreach presentation focuses on the history of JPL and current work being done at JPL on Earth Science, Robotics, Flight Projects, Solar System Exploration, and the Deep Space Network. I also talk about my own experiences, my background and education, how I came to JPL, my hobbies and passions, and work on missions--including my day to day responsibilities and career. I enjoy speaking to my lessons learned and passing on advice to students interested in space, engineering, STEAM, or simply pushing the boundaries of what they they think they can achieve. I specifically enjoy speaking to young girls and women of color to help redefine what a successful engineer can look like. In the Covid-19 Pandemic I have been able to reach more distant students via Zoom and have been focusing on outreach efforts in both rural and suburban Midwest & Southern schools to reach students who don't traditionally have access to NASA speakers and resources.
My presentation can range from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours (as needed) followed by Q&A and can be adapted to meet the interests and understanding of all ages (5+), geo-locations, diverse backgrounds, etc. In addition to schools, I also speak on panels, on podcasts as a guests and host, and as a guest writer. I also engage in academic outreach via presenting at conferences for Women in STEM and writing papers on my work and research. I currently have 2-3 speaking engagements a month so please reach out as early as possible so we can schedule an available date. All information I share is either my personal experience or publicly available information and is approved for release by JPL. Thus, talks can be shared, recorded, photographed, etc. Fore more specific outreach, news articles, etc., additional approvals may be needed. Please see Contact for my info.
My presentation can range from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours (as needed) followed by Q&A and can be adapted to meet the interests and understanding of all ages (5+), geo-locations, diverse backgrounds, etc. In addition to schools, I also speak on panels, on podcasts as a guests and host, and as a guest writer. I also engage in academic outreach via presenting at conferences for Women in STEM and writing papers on my work and research. I currently have 2-3 speaking engagements a month so please reach out as early as possible so we can schedule an available date. All information I share is either my personal experience or publicly available information and is approved for release by JPL. Thus, talks can be shared, recorded, photographed, etc. Fore more specific outreach, news articles, etc., additional approvals may be needed. Please see Contact for my info.
Talk Selection
These are a sample of some of my prepared talks. Each talk can be adapted based on the audience, topic of interest, length available, etc. Q&A is always a part of the presentation and additional topics can be curated at request. These talks can also be adapted for discussion formats in podcasts or for panels.
Dare Mighty Things
Overview Outreach Talk describing my journey, JPL, and my work on various deep space missions
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NISAR & BeyondTalk on JPL, the NISAR Mission, and my space communications (EEIS) work
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Space is for Everyone
Overview of my journey and work with emphasis on diversity and experiences as a South Asian woman in STEM from an immigrant family
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Notable Speaking Engagements
October 2019 - Long Beach Comic Con, "Women of Europa Clipper"
November 2019 - FIRST Robotics Competition Judge, Middle Schoolers
January 2020 - Spoke at Millard West High School in Omaha, NE (My former school!!)
March 2021 - Spoke at schools in Savannah, Georgia
March 2021 - Spoke at Beadle Middle School in Omaha, NE (My former school!!)
July 2021 - Outreach to NASA NCAS Scholars
August 2021 - Empowering South Asian Women
September 2021 - Judge of NASA NCAS Student Challenge Program
October 2021 - Keynote Lecture on Psyche Mission at Women in Physical Sciences Conference at UNL (WoPhys)
November 2021 - Psyche Inspired Students at Arizona State University
March 2022 - Guest Lecture at Cornell University's Ezra's Round Table/Seminar Series in Systems Engineering
March 2022 - Baylor University's Aerospace Club & Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
April 2022 - City of STEM, LA @ Columbia Space Memorial Center
April 2022 - Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
July 2022 - YPT & NAAIS Talk, "The Future of the Final Frontier, From a Cosmic View: Tackling Climate Change via Space Collaboration"
August 2022 - NASA/JPL & NASA Earth Social Media Spotlight on NISAR EEIS
August 2022 - Omaha Children's Museum
January 2023 - Challenger Learning Center-Maine
February 2023 - Baylor Engineering Lunch & Learn
September 2023 - NASA & PBS NIFTY Talk
October 2023 - Franklin Institute Talk, PACTS Youth Program
November 2019 - FIRST Robotics Competition Judge, Middle Schoolers
January 2020 - Spoke at Millard West High School in Omaha, NE (My former school!!)
March 2021 - Spoke at schools in Savannah, Georgia
March 2021 - Spoke at Beadle Middle School in Omaha, NE (My former school!!)
July 2021 - Outreach to NASA NCAS Scholars
August 2021 - Empowering South Asian Women
September 2021 - Judge of NASA NCAS Student Challenge Program
October 2021 - Keynote Lecture on Psyche Mission at Women in Physical Sciences Conference at UNL (WoPhys)
November 2021 - Psyche Inspired Students at Arizona State University
March 2022 - Guest Lecture at Cornell University's Ezra's Round Table/Seminar Series in Systems Engineering
March 2022 - Baylor University's Aerospace Club & Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
April 2022 - City of STEM, LA @ Columbia Space Memorial Center
April 2022 - Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
July 2022 - YPT & NAAIS Talk, "The Future of the Final Frontier, From a Cosmic View: Tackling Climate Change via Space Collaboration"
August 2022 - NASA/JPL & NASA Earth Social Media Spotlight on NISAR EEIS
August 2022 - Omaha Children's Museum
January 2023 - Challenger Learning Center-Maine
February 2023 - Baylor Engineering Lunch & Learn
September 2023 - NASA & PBS NIFTY Talk
October 2023 - Franklin Institute Talk, PACTS Youth Program
Features & Highlights
2023 Baylor Young Alum of the Year - Press Release
"The Young Alumni of the Year honor is awarded to a graduate under age 40 who has achieved distinction through exceptional contributions to our international, national, state or community welfare. This year’s Baylor Young Alumna of the Year is Richa Sirohi, B.S. ’18, of Pasadena, California, End-to End Information Systems Engineer for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.Sirohi works on the communication architecture for the NISAR project – an advanced radar imaging satellite system that will provide unprecedented, detailed views of Earth’s most complex processes. In addition, she has worked on the Psyche Mission, the Mars Perseverance Rover, the Cold Atom Laboratory and a Lunar Mission Concept, among others.
Sirohi is passionate about building diverse communities, engaging in educational outreach in schools, mentoring student interns and inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEM. Sirohi founded the Jet Propulsion Lab’s Early Career Community and is the 2021 recipient of the NASA-JPL Bruce Murray Award for her work in educational outreach."
"The Young Alumni of the Year honor is awarded to a graduate under age 40 who has achieved distinction through exceptional contributions to our international, national, state or community welfare. This year’s Baylor Young Alumna of the Year is Richa Sirohi, B.S. ’18, of Pasadena, California, End-to End Information Systems Engineer for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.Sirohi works on the communication architecture for the NISAR project – an advanced radar imaging satellite system that will provide unprecedented, detailed views of Earth’s most complex processes. In addition, she has worked on the Psyche Mission, the Mars Perseverance Rover, the Cold Atom Laboratory and a Lunar Mission Concept, among others.
Sirohi is passionate about building diverse communities, engaging in educational outreach in schools, mentoring student interns and inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEM. Sirohi founded the Jet Propulsion Lab’s Early Career Community and is the 2021 recipient of the NASA-JPL Bruce Murray Award for her work in educational outreach."
- Baylor Spring Magazine Article
- Press Release, Baylor University
- Baylor Lariat Article: ‘Young Alumna of the Year’ talks success at NASA 6 years post-grad
- Baylor Lariat Article: Behind the scenes of Baylor Alumni Awards selection
- Baylor Proud: Daring mighty things: Baylor's Young Alum of the Year leads at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- Baylor Connections Podcast
- Youtube Video
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2021 JPL Bruce Murray Award
"Richa is the 2021 recipient of the JPL Bruce Murray award for impactful and far-reaching outreach in rural schools and for sharing diverse stories of those in the space exploration community to wide audiences. This award is presented annually to selected individuals who have distinguished themselves by making outstanding contributions to the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory."
"Richa is the 2021 recipient of the JPL Bruce Murray award for impactful and far-reaching outreach in rural schools and for sharing diverse stories of those in the space exploration community to wide audiences. This award is presented annually to selected individuals who have distinguished themselves by making outstanding contributions to the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory."
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Cornell University, Engineering Management Student Spotlight
Grateful to be able to continue my education with a part time Master's in Engineering Management at Cornell University (Cornell Civil & Environmental Engineering) with support from the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Read more about it in my student spotlight.
Grateful to be able to continue my education with a part time Master's in Engineering Management at Cornell University (Cornell Civil & Environmental Engineering) with support from the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Read more about it in my student spotlight.
Podcast Interview, Caffeinated Brown Girl - Listen on Spotify!
"Have you every wondered what it's like working at NASA? Space is vast and intriguing and in this episode I [Pallavi Janiani] talk with Richa Sirohi (she/her), an EEIS engineer at NASA JPL."
Listen to my interview on this podcast where I talk about my experiences as a South Asian American woman at NASA and the experiences that shaped my journey to JPL and beyond.
Instagram: @caffeinatedbrowngirl
"Have you every wondered what it's like working at NASA? Space is vast and intriguing and in this episode I [Pallavi Janiani] talk with Richa Sirohi (she/her), an EEIS engineer at NASA JPL."
Listen to my interview on this podcast where I talk about my experiences as a South Asian American woman at NASA and the experiences that shaped my journey to JPL and beyond.
Instagram: @caffeinatedbrowngirl
NASA Solar System Exploration Feature - Read more about my work!
Richa’s advice to girls aspiring to a STEAM career: “Gender has nothing to do with one’s ability or interests. No matter what anyone tells you – you can be a girl and be good at math, just like sports, and you can be a leader. Regardless of whether you are interested in STEAM, it is important to value yourself and believe in your abilities. You should raise your hand, ask questions and share your ideas, try new things, and see yourself in a positive light. Self-esteem will help you in any field you pursue. If STEAM is your primary interest, research different careers, go to robotics and science camps, focus on STEAM classes, and don’t count out any opportunity or career path as too difficult or out of reach. If your goal feels too far reaching, try to identify the steps you can take to get a little closer."
Richa’s advice to girls aspiring to a STEAM career: “Gender has nothing to do with one’s ability or interests. No matter what anyone tells you – you can be a girl and be good at math, just like sports, and you can be a leader. Regardless of whether you are interested in STEAM, it is important to value yourself and believe in your abilities. You should raise your hand, ask questions and share your ideas, try new things, and see yourself in a positive light. Self-esteem will help you in any field you pursue. If STEAM is your primary interest, research different careers, go to robotics and science camps, focus on STEAM classes, and don’t count out any opportunity or career path as too difficult or out of reach. If your goal feels too far reaching, try to identify the steps you can take to get a little closer."
NASA JPL & NASA Earth - NISAR Social Media Live
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Cornell University - Ezra Cornell Scholar / Lecture
Cornell University, Ezra Round Table in Systems Engineering Seminar on the Psyche Mission
Check out my interview and guest lecture on my End-to-End Information System work on the Psyche Mission as part of the Cornell System Engineering Seminar Series!
Check out my interview and guest lecture on my End-to-End Information System work on the Psyche Mission as part of the Cornell System Engineering Seminar Series!
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Game Show Appearance
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