Primary Convener:
Regupathi Angappan, SandboxAQ

Convener:
Chanud Yasanayake, Johns Hopkins University
Christian Lao, University College London
Meryem Berrada, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Early Career Convener:
Cara Pesciotta, Johns Hopkins University

Chair:
Regupathi Angappan, Johns Hopkins University
Meryem Berrada, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Chanud Yasanayake, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Christian Lao, University College London
Cara Pesciotta, Johns Hopkins University

Empowering Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences (EPSS) education and outreach begins with centering belonging, accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (B-A-JEDI). This session invites contributions that celebrate and critically reflect on pedagogical practices, public engagement, and co-created initiatives that nurture inclusive and joyful learning spaces. We highlight efforts that embrace multimodal, interdisciplinary, and community-grounded approaches—whether through arts-based methods, Indigenous and place-based knowledge systems, AI-enabled engagement, or sustained mentorship programs—that support collective agency and foster a deep sense of connection within and across communities. Presentations may span formal/informal education, grassroots partnerships, and transformative media practices. We especially encourage work that not only addresses systemic barriers in EPSS but also uplifts joy, healing, and empowerment as central tenets of educational transformation. Together, we will reflect on how to sustain these practices and reimagine them across varied contexts, cultivating a future where science is inclusive, rooted in community, and alive with joy.

Index Terms
0815 Informal education
0825 Teaching methods
0850 Geoscience education research
0855 Diversity

Cross-Listed:
SY - Science and Society

Neighborhoods:
1. Science Nexus