FAMESTM | Finance, Arts, and STEM: Mr. Michael K. Chapman stimulated the imagination of the students attending FAMESTM Summer STEM Program at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington (BGCGW) with his presentation on space missions and America’s many journeys into space. He discussed several current space missions – how you start with a science question to answer and then do the engineering for the missions. We all know about weather on Earth, but there is weather is space too. Chapman taught the students
about the aurora borealis, describing how this space weather phenomenon is formed and where it can be seen from. He explained how space weather affects our daily lives and how spacecraft like NASA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory allow us to monitor space weather more accurately. The students were particularly interested once they heard how space weather can affect cell phones and GPS systems. Drawing upon his space experience, Chapman went on to describe a journey to Mars – what it would take to get there and the engineering behind a mission. He bought several examples of actual hardware for students to experience; several students stayed after the presentation to ask questions and get a feel for the hardware. He explained to the students what he is currently working on, how he got there and what it takes to be an engineer. Chapman’s career path began with military service, then back to college for engineering training before obtaining his current position. The 
students, who were interested in joining military service academies after learning about them on FAMES’ June 29 presentation, asked more questions about education at the academies. As a result of Chapman’s presentation, students understood that formal training is continuous and that many engineers and scientists routinely
return to college for advanced learning. Most importantly, the students appreciated how space missions answer science questions that affect our lives at the Earth. Over 40 students from grades 6-9 and summer camp counselors attended the presentation. Chapman volunteered his time for FAMES Summer STEM Program at BGCGW on July 20, 2016.
Michael K. Chapman works at NASA as a contractor in the Applied Engineering and Technology Directorate. He develops software programs that automate and control thermal engineering testing, as well as process data, and monitor the conditions of space flight components that are under test. Since joining NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Mr. Chapman has provided thermal testing support for many successful satellite missions including the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission, the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission (MMS) and currently the James Webb Space Telescope. Before coming to Goddard, Mr. Chapman worked for the Air National Guard. He is a strong supporter of STEM education. He regularly volunteers for K-12 STEM Outreach activities on behalf of AIAA NCS, Patriots Technology Training Center, NSBE, Planetary Society, and D.C. STEM Network. While repairing and maintaining F-16 and F-15 fighter jets as an aircraft electrician, Mr. Chapman received his Associates in Aerospace Technology, and then transferred to Capitol Technology University for his bachelors in Computer Engineering.
On June 22, 2016 FAMESTM launched its eight week long summer STEM program for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington DC. 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.