We’re thrilled to welcome Sarah Marcotte, an experienced public engagement specialist for NASA, to New Zealand for our event, From Aotearoa to the Origins of Life: Ten Years of Astrobiology celebration this September!
Sarah Marcotte is currently NASA STEM Engagement Network group lead, based at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She leads NASA’s Solar System Ambassadors Program, managing a US nationwide network of over 1,240 volunteer ambassadors who engage communities across classrooms, museums, planetariums, and media with the latest in space exploration and discoveries.
Prior to this role, Sarah was a public engagement specialist in Mars and planetary missions. She regularly hosted major JPL public events, such as retrospectives on the Curiosity rover’s decade on Mars and updates on the Ingenuity helicopter, making complex mission details engaging and accessible. In addition, as a museum-based educator, Sarah frequently represents JPL at planetarium exhibits and outreach weekends.
An experienced public moderator, Sarah co-hosted virtual sessions on InSight, Mars quakes, and more, serving as a moderator or co-host and bringing together technical experts and public audiences. Her work bridges research and public curiosity. Having framed major public-facing events about JPL’s Mars missions, she brings a valuable perspective on how NZ audiences can connect with ongoing solar system exploration.
