\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCareer Spotlight: Scientist (Ages 14-18)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/jason2large.jpg?w=1536\")
<\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWhat does a scientist do?<\/strong><\/h2>\nScience is about exploring answers to questions. A scientist uses research and evidence to form hypotheses, test variables, and then share their findings.<\/p>\n
NASA scientists conduct groundbreaking research to answer some of humanity\u2019s most profound questions. Most scientists start as project scientists in their early careers. They spend a lot of time publishing\u00a0their peer-reviewed literature and presenting scientific research. Senior-level scientists provide leadership in the NASA community, actively publish research group work, and take on management roles.<\/p>\n
What are some of the different types of scientists that work at NASA?<\/strong><\/h2>\nMany types of scientists work at NASA to support its wide variety of missions. The agency\u2019s scientists research the foods we send to space, the habitability of other planets, the weather in space, and so much more. Here are a few examples of types of scientists at NASA.<\/p>\n
Planetary scientist:<\/strong> Discovers and studies the planetary objects in our solar system. These efforts shed light on the history of the solar system and the distribution of life within it.<\/p>\nAstrobiologist:<\/strong> Studies the origins of life, how life evolves, and where it might be found in the universe.<\/p>\nAstrophysicist:<\/strong> Studies the physical and chemical structures of stars, planets, and other natural objects found in space.<\/p>\nBiological\/physical scientist:<\/strong> Studies how biological and physical processes work in challenging environments like space. This information helps NASA design longer human space missions and also benefits life on Earth.<\/p>\nEarth scientist:<\/strong> Uses observations and data from satellites and other sources to study Earth\u2019s atmosphere, oceans, land cover, and land use.<\/p>\nHeliophysicist:<\/strong> Studies the Sun and its behaviors, such as magnetic fields, solar wind, and space weather. This knowledge helps us better understand and predict the Sun\u2019s effects on Earth and in space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Jess](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ksc-20200115-ph-jbs02-0112large.jpg?w=1920\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow can I become a scientist?<\/strong><\/h2>\nFocus on building your scientific knowledge and skills. You can do this by taking challenging academic courses, participating in science fairs, and joining extracurricular activities that have a scientific focus. This is also a good time to research what types of sciences you\u2019re most interested in, possible careers in those fields, and academic degrees required for those jobs.<\/p>\n
Scientists typically need at least a four-year degree. Most pursue a master\u2019s degree or even a doctorate (Ph.D.) to become experts in their field.<\/p>\n
How can I start preparing today to become a scientist?<\/strong><\/h2>\nInterested in applying some science skills right away? NASA provides a variety of hands-on activities<\/a> for a range of skill levels. The space agency also offers student challenges, competitions, and activities that provide authentic experience in a variety of science fields. For up-to-date opportunities, visit:<\/p>\n\n- NASA STEM Opportunities and Activities for Students<\/a><\/li>\n
- NASA Science Learning Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
NASA also offers paid internships for U.S. citizens aged 16 and up. Interns work on real projects with the guidance of a NASA mentor. Internship sessions are held each year in spring, summer, and fall; visit NASA\u2019s Internships website<\/a> to learn about important deadlines and current opportunities.<\/p>\n
<\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWhat does a scientist do?<\/strong><\/h2>\nScience is about exploring answers to questions. A scientist uses research and evidence to form hypotheses, test variables, and then share their findings.<\/p>\n
NASA scientists conduct groundbreaking research to answer some of humanity\u2019s most profound questions. Most scientists start as project scientists in their early careers. They spend a lot of time publishing\u00a0their peer-reviewed literature and presenting scientific research. Senior-level scientists provide leadership in the NASA community, actively publish research group work, and take on management roles.<\/p>\n
What are some of the different types of scientists that work at NASA?<\/strong><\/h2>\nMany types of scientists work at NASA to support its wide variety of missions. The agency\u2019s scientists research the foods we send to space, the habitability of other planets, the weather in space, and so much more. Here are a few examples of types of scientists at NASA.<\/p>\n
Planetary scientist:<\/strong> Discovers and studies the planetary objects in our solar system. These efforts shed light on the history of the solar system and the distribution of life within it.<\/p>\nAstrobiologist:<\/strong> Studies the origins of life, how life evolves, and where it might be found in the universe.<\/p>\nAstrophysicist:<\/strong> Studies the physical and chemical structures of stars, planets, and other natural objects found in space.<\/p>\nBiological\/physical scientist:<\/strong> Studies how biological and physical processes work in challenging environments like space. This information helps NASA design longer human space missions and also benefits life on Earth.<\/p>\nEarth scientist:<\/strong> Uses observations and data from satellites and other sources to study Earth\u2019s atmosphere, oceans, land cover, and land use.<\/p>\nHeliophysicist:<\/strong> Studies the Sun and its behaviors, such as magnetic fields, solar wind, and space weather. This knowledge helps us better understand and predict the Sun\u2019s effects on Earth and in space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow can I become a scientist?<\/strong><\/h2>\nFocus on building your scientific knowledge and skills. You can do this by taking challenging academic courses, participating in science fairs, and joining extracurricular activities that have a scientific focus. This is also a good time to research what types of sciences you\u2019re most interested in, possible careers in those fields, and academic degrees required for those jobs.<\/p>\n
Scientists typically need at least a four-year degree. Most pursue a master\u2019s degree or even a doctorate (Ph.D.) to become experts in their field.<\/p>\n
How can I start preparing today to become a scientist?<\/strong><\/h2>\nInterested in applying some science skills right away? NASA provides a variety of hands-on activities<\/a> for a range of skill levels. The space agency also offers student challenges, competitions, and activities that provide authentic experience in a variety of science fields. For up-to-date opportunities, visit:<\/p>\n\n- NASA STEM Opportunities and Activities for Students<\/a><\/li>\n
- NASA Science Learning Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
NASA also offers paid internships for U.S. citizens aged 16 and up. Interns work on real projects with the guidance of a NASA mentor. Internship sessions are held each year in spring, summer, and fall; visit NASA\u2019s Internships website<\/a> to learn about important deadlines and current opportunities.<\/p>\n
Many types of scientists work at NASA to support its wide variety of missions. The agency\u2019s scientists research the foods we send to space, the habitability of other planets, the weather in space, and so much more. Here are a few examples of types of scientists at NASA.<\/p>\n
Planetary scientist:<\/strong> Discovers and studies the planetary objects in our solar system. These efforts shed light on the history of the solar system and the distribution of life within it.<\/p>\n Astrobiologist:<\/strong> Studies the origins of life, how life evolves, and where it might be found in the universe.<\/p>\n Astrophysicist:<\/strong> Studies the physical and chemical structures of stars, planets, and other natural objects found in space.<\/p>\n Biological\/physical scientist:<\/strong> Studies how biological and physical processes work in challenging environments like space. This information helps NASA design longer human space missions and also benefits life on Earth.<\/p>\n Earth scientist:<\/strong> Uses observations and data from satellites and other sources to study Earth\u2019s atmosphere, oceans, land cover, and land use.<\/p>\n Heliophysicist:<\/strong> Studies the Sun and its behaviors, such as magnetic fields, solar wind, and space weather. This knowledge helps us better understand and predict the Sun\u2019s effects on Earth and in space.<\/p>\n Focus on building your scientific knowledge and skills. You can do this by taking challenging academic courses, participating in science fairs, and joining extracurricular activities that have a scientific focus. This is also a good time to research what types of sciences you\u2019re most interested in, possible careers in those fields, and academic degrees required for those jobs.<\/p>\n Scientists typically need at least a four-year degree. Most pursue a master\u2019s degree or even a doctorate (Ph.D.) to become experts in their field.<\/p>\n Interested in applying some science skills right away? NASA provides a variety of hands-on activities<\/a> for a range of skill levels. The space agency also offers student challenges, competitions, and activities that provide authentic experience in a variety of science fields. For up-to-date opportunities, visit:<\/p>\n NASA also offers paid internships for U.S. citizens aged 16 and up. Interns work on real projects with the guidance of a NASA mentor. Internship sessions are held each year in spring, summer, and fall; visit NASA\u2019s Internships website<\/a> to learn about important deadlines and current opportunities.<\/p>\n![\"Jess](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ksc-20200115-ph-jbs02-0112large.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow can I become a scientist?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How can I start preparing today to become a scientist?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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