Our last group of 2024 Argonauts touched down in Houston, TX, on July 15, 2024, for the exciting expedition called “Houston GoalHackers: A Design Thinking Expedition for Future Entrepreneurs.” This journey was packed with inspiration, hands-on activities, and real-world problem-solving, all set against the backdrop of Houston’s innovative spirit.
Day One: A Rocket-Fueled Kickoff with Monica Lee
The Argonauts kicked off the adventure with an incredible session featuring Monica Lee, a NASA scientist and the Assistant Vice President of Cybersecurity Enablement at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Monica’s career is truly extraordinary! From serving as the Chief of Staff at Johnson Space Center to logging over 3,000 hours in NASA’s Mission Control Center, her career spans an impressive range of experiences. Plus, she’s managed space contracts worth over $4.4 billion and has her research published at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. Her story left our Argonauts buzzing with excitement and ready to tackle whatever challenges come their way.
Exploring the Future of Space Travel at Limitless Space Institute
Next up, our Argonauts visited the Limitless Space Institute and met the brilliant Dr. Harold “Sonny” White. Known for his groundbreaking work in advanced propulsion systems, Dr. White blew everyone’s minds with his talk about the future of space travel. From exploring alternatives to rocket fuel to the mind-bending idea of warping space for interstellar journeys (hello, “Star Trek”), he showed our Argonauts just how exciting space science can be.
Then came the fun part: a challenge-based activity led by Chaka Jaliwa, Deputy of Education and Operations at Limitless Space. The Argonauts built and raced Solar Sails, competing to see who could “go the distance” the fastest. It was a hands-on, action-packed experience that combined learning with a healthy dose of friendly competition.
Goal Hacking with the Galveston Bay Foundation
The Houston Argonauts dove deep into their “Goal Hacking” expedition, focusing on helping organizations achieve their goals. One of their key partners is the Galveston Bay Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving the Galveston Bay ecosystem. Before arriving in Houston, the Argonauts watched videos from the Foundation to get a feel for its mission and how they could collaborate.
This week, they got up close and personal with the Foundation through a presentation on their oyster shell recycling program. They learned how this program supports bay health and reduces erosion. Then, it was off to Galveston Bay, where the Argonauts bagged oyster shells for restoration projects and explored the bay’s ecosystem through seine fishing. Despite the relentless mosquitoes at Galveston Bay, the Argonauts were troopers and pressed on with their work.
Seining in Galveston Bay
Emily explaining to the Argonauts how to use a seine net
Mercer Argos: Laiken, Eva and Blake with their first bag of oysters
The day wrapped up with a visit to Tommy’s Restaurant, where the owner’s son, Nick Tollett, a champion of oyster shell recycling, showed the Argonauts how the shells are processed to rebuild reef habitats. It was a behind-the-scenes look at how sustainable practices can protect marine life and ensure a healthy supply of oysters for future generations.
Nick giving the Argonauts a behind the scenes tour of Tommy’s restaurant showing the process they use to recycle the oyster shclls.
Nick welcoming the Argonauts to Tommy’s Restaurant. The owner of Tommy’s was the person who got Galveston Bay Foundation to start the oyster shell recycling program.
A Trip to the NASA Neutral Buoyancy Lab
No visit to Houston would be complete without a trip to NASA! The Argonauts spent some time at the incredible NASA Neutral Buoyancy Lab. While they missed seeing astronauts in action due to a canceled event, they still got a fascinating look at the lab and watched divers gear up. Hosts Drew Hood and two NASA interns shared their journeys from middle school to their current roles at NASA, offering insider tips and advice on pursuing a career in space science.
Most of the group for the NASA Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL) visit
Eva, Blake and Laiken, Mercer Argos at the NBL
Cassandra, Carol Waters (prof at UHCL), and Eloy Sanchez Jr. Argo Alum
Jude and her dream outfit!
Most of the group for the NASA Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL) visit
Crafting Design Thinking Presentations
Since May, our amazing Houston Argonauts have been hard at work on their Design Thinking Presentations. In a whirlwind “speed mentoring” session, the Argonaut teams presented their Goal Hacker solutions to university professors, graduate students, and a JASON Argonaut Alumni. Each team received valuable feedback and rotated through four different mentors for diverse perspectives.
After these rapid 15-minute sessions, each team had a 45-minute session with one mentor to refine their projects and presentation skills. They were gearing up for their final presentation before an audience of about 25 people!
Special thanks to our incredible mentors (left to right):
- Dr. Omah Williams-Duncan
- Cassandra Phenix
- Festus Fajuyigbe
- Carol C. Waters, EdD
- Eloy Sanchez, Jr.
- Mary Curtis, Ph.D.
Throughout the expedition, the Argonauts stayed at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, making it their home away from home. Most of the classroom activities took place on the UHCL campus, where they also ate, slept, and lived. After their presentations, they even had the opportunity to tour the university, getting a taste of campus life and experiencing the collegiate level academic environment firsthand.
Campus tour of UHCL
The Houston GoalHackers expedition has been an unforgettable experience, full of learning, inspiration, and hands-on STEM. Our Argonauts are not only soaking up knowledge but also making meaningful contributions to the community and the environment. See photos of the 2024 Houston Argonauts below!
If you want to learn about the Argonaut Program, visit https://jason.org/argonauts/. Please email argo@jason.org if you have any questions!
