West Virginia Space Grant Selects Student Ambassadors

 | WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — Two West Liberty University seniors have been selected to serve as NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium Student Ambassadors for the 2026–27 academic year.

Gwyneth Horzempa, a senior Data Science major, and Elizabeth Ivanac, a senior Mathematics Education major, will represent West Liberty while promoting STEM education, NASA-related opportunities, and West Virginia Space Grant Consortium programs to students and communities.

“Gwen and Elizabeth are two of West Liberty’s brightest stars,” said Dr. Raymond Holsapple, Chair of the Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics. “I was thrilled when they told me that they were going to apply to be NASA Ambassadors, and I had no doubt they’d be selected. Both are brilliant, hard-working, and devoted to science and education.”

As NASA WVSGC Student Ambassadors, Horzempa and Ivanac will participate in STEM events, interact with K-12 and higher education students, and help promote NASA-sponsored programs, internships, research opportunities, and student research competitions.

Ambassadors also develop outreach activities on their campuses, promote opportunities through social media, and work with WVSGC leadership throughout the academic year. They are expected to conduct or attend at least three outreach events during the year and will have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., for the NASA Space Grant Directors meeting.

Read the full article on westliberty.edu

Author Credit: Rhone Thrash

Image Credit: Rhone Thrash | West Liberty University

Original Post Date:  9.29.26