Co-Creating Open-Source Remote Sensing Tools for STEM Workforce Development

Mike Taylor presented STELLA’s collaborative educational model at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting 2025, highlighting the innovative partnership between NASA scientists and engineers, educational researchers, and classroom teachers. The poster showcased how this cross-sector collaboration has successfully co-designed affordable DIY instruments (~$200/unit) that enable students to collect data similar to NASA satellites while developing workforce-relevant technical skills. Taylor’s presentation demonstrated how the STELLA team united NASA engineers, scientists, and educators to create instruments with varying complexity levels, allowing educators to match technology challenges to students’ skill development needs. Featured in the Co-Creating Science Education session, the presentation illustrated how students using STELLA devices develop authentic skills in remote sensing, data analysis, and engineering that align with workforce needs in agriculture, environmental science, and satellite technology fields, while offering a replicable model for educational tools that bridge education with workforce preparation through meaningful partnerships.

Presentation Details:

• Presenter: Mike Taylor
• Session: ED11D – Co-Creating Science Education: Collaborative Models for Education and Outreach
• Date & Time: Monday, December 15, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM CST
• Location: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Hall EFG (Poster Hall)
• Format: In-person poster presentation
• Abstract ID: 1883622