Petition for NASA Cosmic Pathfinders Chapter

Petition for NASA Cosmic Pathfinders Chapter

NASA Cosmic Pathfinders Program | FY2025 | Last Updated: 4/22/25
Members of the program who are at the same university or institution may self-organize into chapters upon completion of NASA Cosmic Pathfinders chapter petition form and required materials. Such groups further galvanize the engagement of students with NASA astrophysics. Chapters are modeled after similar campus organizations such as the Society of Physics Students. Chapters may host regular meetings to discuss relevant prevailing academic and professional issues and focus on developing essential scientific, mathematical, and interdisciplinary skills. They present a unique opportunity for students to connect with a national network of astronomers, astrophysicists, and space scientists, and foster a sense of belonging within the larger scientific community.

Students and early-careers interested in a NASA CPP chapter must fill out the NASA Cosmic Pathfinders Program Statement of Interest Form BEFORE chapter approval.

Interested students, early-careers in STEM, and professionals can interface and join the dedicated LinkedIn group here to further connect with others: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12899523/

Follow the link for more information about the program: https://cor.gsfc.nasa.gov/copag/program/cosmic-pathfinders.php

Reach out to Dr. Ronald Gamble (ronald.s.gamble@nasa.gov) or the Leadership Council for further inquiries or questions.

NASA Cosmic Pathfinders Program Early-Career Leaders 2024-2025:

Amethyst Barnes (CUNY-Astro)

Isiah Holt (UMCP Astro) imholt@umd.edu

Gokul Srinivasaragavan (UMCP Astro) gsriniv2@umd.edu
Name of Form Submitter:*

First NameLast Name
Email of Form Submitter:*
example@example.com

Institution

Please make sure to answer the institution questions completely. Double check for errors or typos to limit delays in your petition review.
Note: A university/institution is not allowed to have more than one NASA Cosmic Pathfinders Chapter; it is recommended that you check with the program director before beginning the application process if you are unsure.
Institution Classification*
Institution type is used for providing focused program engagement.
Is This a Regional Chapter?*

YesNo
Name of Institution*
Formal institution name should be used here.
Department Name/Title*
Institution Address*
institution address is required for verifying institution and chapter location.
Department Phone Number*
Department phone number is required for further verification, if needed.
Has the department where chapter will be established willing to support such chapter AND have the appropriate administratives given approval?*

YesNo

Membership

First and last names, school/institution email, major, and year/classification is required in this section. President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Community Engagement Lead, etc. (5) officers and (5) general members, for a total of (10) members, are required for chapter establishment. officers are included in total member count. Please refer to membership requirements if unsure before submitting.
President Name and Email:
First Name*   Last Name*      Email*    Major*   Year*

Vice President Name and Email:
First Name*   Last Name*      Email*   Major*   Year*

Treasurer Name and Email:
First Name*   Last Name*      Email*   Major*   Year*

Secretary Name and Email:
First Name*   Last Name*      Email*   Major*   Year*

(Officer Title) Name and Email:
First Name*   Last Name*  Email*   Major*   Year*
Please List Other Members of the Chapter:*
10 chapter members are required for establishment. Please use same format for listed members.
Number of Chapter Members*
total number of chapter members.
Do you have a chapter faculty/professional advisor?*

YesNoNot yet, but anticipating
Faculty/Professional Advisor:
Title* First Name* Last Name* Email*

Department Chair:
Title* First Name* Last Name* Email*
Does your chapter include regional members?*

YesNoNot yet, but anticipating
List Regional Members
*optional. Only for chapters with regional or non-student members at institution.

Chapter Information
*Chapter “nicknames”, “informal names”, or “colloquial names” will be reviewed and accepted upon a case by case basis. Informal chapter naming is encouraged to promote a sense of belonging in the NASA Astrophysics community.
Chapter Name:*
*required. Must match institution name: EX. CPP University of Awesome
Informal Chapter Name:
*optional
Chapter Email:
*optional. Not currently required, but will be in the coming future. (ex. For University of Awesome’s chapter: UofAwesome_CPP@gmail.com)
Please Describe Chapter Goals:*
Please describe in short, what the chapter goals are. Wht does this chapter hope to accomplish affiliated with the NASA Cosmic Pathfinders Program.
Does this chapter overlap with another professional society chapter? (ex. SPS, NSBP, NSHP, SHPE, NSBE, SACNAS, etc.)*

YesNoNot yet, but anticipated
List Professional Society Chapters:
Please type out all acronyms for society names and include the abbreviation/acronym next to the name. (ex. National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP)).

Petition Submission Acknowledgment

Acknowledgment of Code of Conduct
Cosmic Pathfinders is a student-focused program of online events and in-person gatherings that provides an interface to NASA astrophysics. It is motivated by an immediate need to develop the next generation of the STEM workforce in space-related fields.

We, the enthusiastic members of the instruction staff, alumni, and students at
institution name * sharing an enthusiasm and commitment to promote open dialogue, nurture professional growth, and broaden horizons, aligned with the motivations of the NASA Cosmic Pathfinders Program, do hereby signify our desire to be granted a chapter within the NASA Cosmic Pathfinders Program. If this petition for chapter establishment is granted, we do hereby agree at all times to comply with and abide by these stated values.

Signed Date *   .

Signature & Classification of Chapter Officers:
Signature *   Classification *

Signature    Classification

Signature    Classification

Signature    Classification

Signature    Classification

Faculty/Professional Chapter Advisor Signature & Title:
Signature    Title
Should be Empty:

Petition for NASA Cosmic Pathfinders Chapter

Institution

Membership

Chapter Information

Petition Submission Acknowledgment