ExoExplorers

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During the session that runs from January-June, each ExoGuide will present one hour-long lecture directly to the cohort that speaks to their experiences as a scientist. This lecture would, with permission, be recorded and later posted online for public viewing. Example lecture topics might include speaking to experiences building effective collaborations in the era of next-generation NASA missions or visions and perspectives on training the next generation of scientists. ExoGuide lectures should showcase broad, diverse perspectives that work to engage the exoplanet community.

Additionally, each ExoGuide will participate in one hour-long informal roundtable discussion, which will enable the cohort to gain broader understanding of the ExoGuide's experiences in exoplanet science.

Please email Jennifer Burt directly with subject line "ExoExplorers FAQ."

The committee will take an expansive view of what it means for research to be supportive of one or more of the Science Gaps. Please include an explanation of the connection in your application.

Yes, you may update your application until the submission deadline. You should have received an email with a link to edit your submission. Following this link, you can edit answers to any of the form questions. Unfortunately, Google forms does not allow replacement uploads. If you wish to make changes to your CV or statement, you will need to submit a new application. To start a new application, you have two options: you can follow the link from the Call page again OR when you open the "edit responses" email link, you should see a grey popup in the lower left of your screen that gives you the option to "open a blank form" to complete a new application. When you submit a replacement application, we would appreciate it if you would check the box in the form indicating that this is a replacement submission.

No, you do not need to be nominated.

While we recognize that the specific definition of PhD “candidacy” will vary from university to university, our intended definition is that the student has completed the equivalent of a Masters program, whether by formally receiving a Masters degree or by passing a candidacy/qualifying/thesis proposal exam. If you have not yet advanced to candidacy, but expect to have advanced by the start of the ExoExplorers program, you are eligible to apply.

If you are ONLY affiliated with a US institution (eg: not also currently affiliated with a non-US university, government, military, or other employer), you are eligible to apply. If you are affiliated with BOTH US and international institutions, please reach out to the email address above for further guidance.

In most cases yes, although there are restrictions placed on a small number of countries. Please reach out to the email address above for guidance.

We are accepting applications from currently active postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates. Limited exceptions to the “currently active” requirement may be possible for extenuating circumstances (eg: currently on short-term leave of absence); please contact the email address above for guidance. The definition of PhD candidacy is addressed in another FAQ.

Current postdocs are eligible to apply; there is no limit on the number of years since PhD.

Your statement should include current and/or proposed work that is relevant to the ExEP Science Gap list, linked in the Call for Applications. In addition, you may also describe past research, if desired.

Figures are allowed but not encouraged, and we encourage applicants to focus on the writing.

Please submit a new application. This will reset your 3 year application clock.

You are not required to have prior formal work in DEIA. Your essay should demonstrate the applicant’s potential to contribute to an improved climate for exoplanet research. This could be through description of prior engagement in DEIA activities and/or by demonstrating an understanding of the barriers facing women, racial minorities, LGBTQ individuals, and other underrepresented groups within exoplanet science.

This program is only as successful as interactions with your cohort members. Through this response we are trying to assess the level of engagement you wish to have with the group in whatever capacity, be it group discussions, collaborative projects, and so forth. These are just a few examples--think about what you would want to gain out of this program!

We welcome applications from anyone working in adjacent research fields too, whether it’s engineering, technology development, or anything related to supporting the themes laid out in the ExEP Science Gap List.

Yes. In your application statement, please describe any/all connections to the Science Gap list that you think are relevant to your work. Please also select all relevant gaps in the checklist in the application form.

For examples of how NASA defines DEIA, please see the NASA inclusion plan resources for researchers and this NASA policy statement on DEIA for NASA’s Workforce and Workplaces. For some examples of existing NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) DEIA efforts, please see the SMD Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility page.