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Sunnyvale School District’s Columbia Middle School today welcomed Dr. Pascal Lee, a renowned planetary scientist with the SETI Institute, the Mars Institute, and NASA Ames Research Center. 

During the visit, Dr. Lee inspired sixth graders with stories about his Mars research, what it would take to travel to Mars, and the excitement and promise of space discovery. His presentation gave students a window into real-world applications of the topics they study in school, like science and math, and encouraged them to imagine what the future might hold for them as professionals in the world of space exploration.

“Dr. Lee has worked at the forefront of planetary science,” said Dr. Gudiel Crosthwaite, Superintendent. “His knowledge and storytelling are unique, offering a special kind of inspiration that helps students to understand what their lives can be if they dream big and pursue those dreams.”

The school visits were made possible through a grant awarded by the Ames Contractor Council, as part of its work to encourage student learning in the sciences and arts. 

“We hope that by connecting students with NASA experts and scientists like Dr. Lee, we will ignite excitement that lays the groundwork for the next generation of scientists and engineers,” said David Cornelius, Chair of the Ames Contractor Council Imagination Foundation.

The Sunnyvale Education Foundation worked in partnership with District Librarian Julie Griffin to obtain the grant. The grant also helped pay for new space science books in both middle school libraries. Each library will receive approximately 22 new space, space science, and planets books in both English and Spanish. 

“We at the Sunnyvale Education Foundation (SEF) hope that the possibilities painted by Dr. Pascal Lee linger in students’ minds and inspire them to continue exploring,” said SEF President Michelle Eugeni. “We are grateful to the NASA Ames Contractor Council for funding this visit with Dr. Lee, as well as expanded collections on astrophysics and astronomy for the school libraries at Columbia and Sunnyvale Middle. The event exemplifies how collaboration between schools and community can bring exciting new opportunities to students and broaden their horizons.”

Dr. Lee will visit Sunnyvale Middle School on October 10, 2025.