Who we are

Every year for nearly a decade Mars, Pennsylvania, celebrates the Mars New Year with a variety of engaging and educational activities designed to inspire interest in space exploration. The event has featured interactive exhibits from NASA and other space organizations, providing attendees with opportunities to learn about Mars exploration, space technologies, and current space missions. Hands-on activities for children and families, such as designing spacecraft and imagining Martian habitats, emphasizing STEM education in a fun and creative way. The celebration also incorporates community and cultural events, blending science with local traditions through music, art, and food. Expert panels and speeches by astronomers and NASA scientists have offer valuable insights into Mars exploration and the potential for future human settlement. Themed performances and demonstrations add an entertaining and immersive dimension to the festival, making it a dynamic and inspiring event for all ages. This activity has gained national attention with continual support coming from local businesses. A unique opportunity has presented itself by adding to the celebration the participation of the nearby Moon Township, a mere 23 miles away.

James Green, Former NASA Chief Scientist

Founder, Space Science Endeavors

Jim Green has worked at NASA for 42 years before retiring in December 2022. He received his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Iowa in 1979 and worked at Marshall Space Flight Center, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), and NASA Headquarters. At GSFC, Jim held several management positions in the Space Sciences Directorate and was an instrument co-investigator and deputy project scientist on several missions. During his time at NASA Headquarters, he was NASA’s chief scientist. Dr. Green was the longest-serving director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division (PSD), with the overall programmatic responsibility for planetary and Mars missions. During his tenure as PSD Director, he was ultimately responsible for extending Mars Odessey, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, NASA’s portion of the ESA Mars Express Orbiter, and both Spirit and Opportunity rovers. He launched Mars missions: MAVEN, Phoenix, Curiosity, InSight, and Perseverance. Jim has received the Exceptional Achievement Medal for the New Horizons flyby of the Pluto system and the Distinguish Service Medal, NASA’s highest honor. He has written over 125 scientific articles in refereed journals and 80 technical and popular articles. In 2015, Jim coordinated NASA’s involvement with the film The Martian. In 2017, Asteroid 25913 was renamed Jamesgreen in his honor.

Soyeon Yi (MBA/PH.D.)

Dr. Soyeon Yi, South Korea's first and only astronaut, has made significant contributions to space exploration and serves as an inspiring figure for future STEM leaders.

She holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, along with a Ph.D. from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Her doctoral thesis on "DNA Separation Chips" showcased her innovative work in bioengineering.

Selected from over 36,000 candidates, Dr. Yi launched on an 11-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Soyuz TMA-12 on April 8, 2008. Her experiments during this mission later informed South Korean science education. After her return to Earth, she experienced a dramatic re-entry, being welcomed by nomads in Kazakhstan.

In 2014, Dr. Yi earned an MBA in Technology and Global Leadership from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.

In her career following her spaceflight, she has held leadership roles in startups and is a faculty member at the International Space University. Dr. Yi is passionate about mentoring students, frequently speaking at public events and volunteering with non-profits.

She has received several honors, including the Order of Science and Technology Merit from the Korean government and recognition as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

In her leisure time, Dr. Yi enjoys activities such as singing, playing the piano, gardening, crafting, cooking Korean cuisine, and hiking.

  • Caroline Coward

    Vice President & Secretary

  • Jeff Beckstead

    Treasurer

  • Daniel Steighner

    At-Large Member