Join Emma Louden as she charts a bold course through the cosmos and back to Earth, linking the frontiers of space to our most pressing global challenges. This engaging talk begins with a vivid examination of the current landscape—where climate crises, economic disparities, and educational gaps paint a stark picture of our world's urgent needs. Through a narrative that weaves the astonishing achievements of space exploration with the potential for societal transformation, Emma explores how the same innovative spirit that propelled us to the moon can address fundamental global issues. With a personal touch, Emma recounts her journey from a star-struck child to astrophysics as a deeper call to lead humanity into an empathetic and sustainable future. With a clarion call to look beyond our planet, Emma urges us to embrace a new phase of space exploration—one driven not by geopolitical competition or scientific curiosity alone but by a profound commitment to safeguarding our planet and enriching all human lives. This talk urges us to turn toward the stars not just for inspiration but for practical solutions to Earth's most intractable problems.

In this interactive talk, we explore the intricate dynamics of funding for space exploration, with a particular focus on NASA's profound impact on society. Discover how strategic investments in space missions have advanced our scientific understanding and spurred innovations that permeate everyday life. From technological advancements to fostering international cooperation, learn how NASA’s budgeting decisions shape economic growth, technological innovation, and even the geopolitical landscape. This presentation will illustrate the vast societal returns generated by funding space exploration and argue for continued investment in reaching beyond our earthly confines for what some would call less practical reasons. Join astrophysicist Emma as she charts the course from fiscal inputs to astronomical impacts, highlighting why pursuing the unknown yields dividends far beyond the stars.

Join Emma in a dynamic exploration of how passions, whether for pop music or the cosmos, can spark a lifelong pursuit of learning and discovery. Designed to resonate with middle and high school students, Emma shares her own transformation from a middle school student, initially overwhelmed in advanced classes, to a leading astrophysicist at Yale. She illustrates her journey with engaging visuals, from sitting in pajama mode controlling telescopes to attending global conferences on space policy, showing that a career in science is both accessible and thrilling. She highlights how science is a field of endless possibilities where young minds can contribute to major discoveries. This talk is an invitation for young students to see themselves as future scientists, explorers, and innovators. Emma urges her audience to embrace their interests fully, whether they’re cheering at a concert or gazing at the stars. By sharing her story, she aims to light a spark of curiosity and hope in science, encouraging students to pursue their passions and discover their own inspiring journey in the world of astrophysics and beyond.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to design your own planetary system? Which planets would you create, where would you place them, and how would they interact? Over the past three decades, astronomers have discovered more than 4,000 exoplanets in approximately 500 planetary systems, revealing a cosmos filled with worlds vastly different from our own Solar System. Join Emma Louden as she delves into the fascinating processes of how, why, and where planets form outside our solar system. This presentation explores the surprising diversity of these exoplanets, discusses Earth's unique characteristics, and speculates on the potential for life elsewhere in the universe. Discover the latest insights into planet formation and consider what these otherworldly systems tell us about our place in the cosmos.

The concept of a linear economy is universally outdated—both on Earth and beyond. In this enlightening and thought-provoking talk, explore the frontier of sustainability as it extends into space exploration. Discover how recycling and reuse practices within the burgeoning NewSpace industry are essential for sustainable growth and serve as a model for environmental stewardship on our planet. Emma will guide audiences through the interconnectedness of terrestrial and celestial sustainability challenges, revealing their profound implications on our daily lives and future ventures into the cosmos. This presentation will challenge your perspective on what is possible, pushing the boundaries of innovation from local solutions to galactic-scale initiatives.