FAMESTM | Finance, Arts, and STEM: Dr. Richard B. Isaacman captured the imagination of students attending FAMESTM Summer STEM Program at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington (BGCGW) with a stunning presentation of astronomy and its importance. The vivid presentation began at home with a tour of our solar system – the Sun and its planets and moons. He carefully described the Sun’s characteristics including sunspots and solar flares. 
The students were surprised to learn how big the Sun is compared to the Earth, and fascinated at how stars are born and die as part of the process of forming galaxies. Isaacman piqued the students’ curiosity further by describing the composition of each planet, its moons, and its distance from the Earth. He explained different 
forms of light, such as infrared and x-rays, and how astronomers use them in their work. He also discussed how everyone from amateurs to professional astronomers use telescopes to watch the planets, whether from earth, satellites in orbit, or from the International Space Station. Isaacman explained how a telescope works, and gave the students a sense of our long fascination with the study of space by relating the history of the telescope and its evolution from ancient times, to the most modern Hubble Space Telescope, and to the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope being built by NASA. The students were fully engaged, asking 
questions throughout the presentations to learn more about the planets. They were amazed to learn that other planets have many moons. Many students stayed back after the presentations to talk to Dr. Isaacman and learn more. Several were so inspired by the presentation that they said “We want to pursue a science career like Dr. Isaacman.” The program was a huge success in teaching space science. Over 30 students from grades 6-9 and summer camp counselors attended the presentation. Isaacman explained how the STEM career path can lead to becoming a scientist.
Dr. Richard Isaacman, an astrophysicist, volunteered his time for the FAMES Summer STEM Program at BGCGW on July 6, 2016. He joined NASA Goddard as a contractor and was head of the science software team for NASA’s first cosmology satellite, the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE). The COBE mission confirmed the major features of the Big Bang theory for the origin of the Universe, and won its project scientist, Dr. John Mather, the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physics. Isaacman worked for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and later joined ADNET Systems, Inc. As the Vice President of Science and Engineering at ADNET, he managed a technical staff of 350 people supporting some 25 NASA satellite missions at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Isaacman received his Ph.D. in astrophysics in 1980 from Leiden University in the Netherlands, after which he became the Netherlands’ science liaison to the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope on Mauna Kea on the Big Island in Hawaii.
On June 22, 2016 FAMESTM launched its eight week long Summer STEM Program for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington. Professionals 
who are actively working in STEM-related fields are invited to act as role models by talking to the students about their career path their current work. These presentations expose the students to science and engineering beyond what their classroom education can provide. FAMESTM (www.famesusa.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring and educating disadvantaged youth in Grades 4-12 in finance, arts, and STEM subjects, mainly during after school and summer programs. Through hands-on, computer-based and technology programs, our goal is to create a broader awareness in these areas, and inspire the curiosity that motivates students to want to know more. FAMES partners with schools, youth organizations, and sports clubs located in underprivileged areas, as well as other non-profits with complementary missions. By offering relevant and engaging programs, our ultimate goal is to increase opportunity for underprivileged youth so they grow up to be significant contributors to society.