AI Insight
NASA Ames Research Center recognized four scientists in July 2026 for outstanding contributions across multiple divisions. Sungshin Choi and Yi-Chun Chen from Space Biosciences were honored for supporting space biology flight investigations including CBIOMES, ODYSSEY, Space Algae II, MeF1, GEARS, and ELISA MABL. Emma Yates from Earth Science was recognized for leading community engagement and citizen-science partnerships in NASA's Ozone Where We Live project, while Eduardo Bendek from Space Science was acknowledged for developing experimental options for the Ames Coronagraph Testbed supporting the Habitable Worlds Observatory.
Why it matters
These recognitions highlight ongoing NASA research in space biology, Earth-based air quality monitoring through citizen science, and advanced coronagraph technology development for exoplanet observation. The work spans from understanding biological responses to microgravity to developing next-generation instruments for detecting potentially habitable worlds.
Understand the Science
NASA Ames Science Stars of the Month: July 2026
The NASA Ames Science Directorate recognizes the outstanding contributions of (pictured left to right) Sungshin Choi, Yi-Chun Chen, Emma Yates, Eduardo Bendek. Their commitment to the NASA mission represents the entrepreneurial spirit, technical expertise, and collaborative disposition needed to explore this world and beyond.
Space Biosciences Star: Sungshin Choi
Sungshin Choi is a Project Scientist with Amentum in the Space Biosciences Division. Sungshin is recognized for her enduring support of many space biology flight investigations past, present and future, including CBIOMES, ODYSSEY, and Space Algae II more recently. She is a tireless advocate for high-quality science and the principal investigators whom she represents.
Space Biosciences Star: Yi-Chun Chen
Yi-Chun Chen is a Project Scientist with Amentum in the Space Biosciences Division. Yi-Chun is recognized for her exemplary support of multiple space biology activities including the MeF1, GEARS, and ELISA MABL (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay – Microgravity Associated Bone Loss) flight investigations. She is a dedicated and determined problem-solver that enables her teams to achieve success.
Earth Science Star: Emma Yates
Emma Yates is a research scientist with the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute in the Earth Science Division. She has been instrumental in advancing NASA’s Ozone Where We Live (OWWL) project by leading community engagement, citizen-science partnerships, and field deployments across California. Her efforts are expanding access to NASA science while building innovative community-based air quality monitoring networks that support Earth science research and public engagement.
Space Science Star: Eduardo Bendek
Eduardo Bendek is an optical scientist with the SETI Institute in the Astrophysics Branch in the Space Science and Astrobiology Division. In support of the Ames Coronagraph Testbed (ACT), Eduardo developed several options for ACT first light experiments, reviewed them with various stakeholders, and delivered a comprehensive presentation to project management for how to proceed. Eduardo’s excellent support of the ACT project is critical to its success as Ames develops this near-infrared testbed for the Habitable Worlds Observatory.