My name is Rachel Blevins, and I’m heading to Las Vegas this July to attend the Ascend 2025 National Convention—an incredibly exciting opportunity. As someone passionate about space medicine, I see this conference as a place to fuel my curiosity, connect with inspiring people, and gain insight that will help shape my future.
Space medicine may seem like a niche field, but it’s one of the most exciting and forward-thinking areas of science and health. I’m fascinated by how the human body reacts to spaceflight, how we can develop systems to support life during long missions, and how this research can also improve healthcare for people on Earth. From radiation exposure to muscle atrophy to mental health in isolation, the challenges of space medicine are complex and multidisciplinary—and that’s precisely what draws me to it.
I’m attending Ascend because I want to grow. This conference brings together diverse students and professionals passionate about leadership, innovation, and making a difference. I’m looking forward to the workshops, keynote talks, and breakout sessions—spaces where I can expand my thinking about problem-solving, science, and leadership. Learning in a classroom is one thing, but being surrounded by driven, curious minds in a space built for growth is something else entirely.
I’m especially excited to hear from speakers whose experiences span different industries and perspectives. Whether they work in STEM, business, research, or something completely unexpected, I want to learn how they’ve overcome challenges and carved their paths. I hope to leave each session with new knowledge, inspiration, and direction for how I can continue pursuing my goals in space medicine.
More than anything, I hope this experience helps me grow as a future professional and a person. I want to return home more confident, inspired, and sure about the impact I want to make. Ascend 2025 is a chance to step outside my comfort zone, ask bigger questions, and connect with people on their journeys of learning and discovery.
I’m proud to be part of this experience, and I can’t wait to see how it will help shape my path forward.
Written by Stellar Student Rachel Blevins
