Meet the Mentors Guiding the Take Off in Zero-G Cohort
Meet our extraordinary Take Off in Zero-G mentors!
Yesterday, we introduced the remarkable science communicators selected for Space for Humanity's 2026 Take Off in Zero-G program. Today, we're excited to introduce the accomplished mentors who will help guide them on the next step of their journey.
Representing fields ranging from astrophysics and engineering to digital media, podcasting, and science education, these award-winning communicators have spent years inspiring millions of people to explore science, ask questions, and share their curiosity with the world. For the next several months, they'll work with our participants, helping them strengthen their storytelling skills, build meaningful audiences, and transform their passion for science into lasting impact.
The Mentors
Salam Abualhayjaa is a Jordanian mechanical engineer, spacesuit designer, analog astronaut, and science communicator dedicated to advancing human space exploration across the Middle East. A graduate of the Jordan University of Science and Technology, she specializes in spacesuit design, developing innovative life-support systems, helmet anti-fogging technology, and mobility-enhancing components for extravehicular activity suits. She is the founder and CEO of MENA, an organization that promotes space education, STEM training, and Mars analog missions in Jordan's Wadi Rum desert, inspiring young people — especially women — to pursue careers in science and engineering. Through her work as an engineer, educator, and communicator, Salam is helping make space more accessible while pursuing her own dream of one day becoming an astronaut.
Ashley Christine is a STEM communicator, author, consultant, and on-camera science commentator dedicated to making complex scientific ideas engaging and accessible to broad audiences. With a background in Applied Mathematics from the University of New Hampshire and Southern New Hampshire University, she has built a career bridging the worlds of science, entertainment, and education through television, film, and consulting for science fiction writers. Ashley shares the stories behind today's most exciting scientific discoveries, inspiring curiosity and helping audiences connect with the innovations shaping our future.
Dr. Maggie Lieu is a British astrophysicist, machine learning researcher, and science communicator whose work explores some of the universe's greatest mysteries, including dark matter, dark energy, and the evolution of galaxy clusters. A Research Fellow in Machine Learning and Cosmology at the University of Nottingham and former researcher at the European Space Agency, she applies advanced statistical methods and artificial intelligence to unlock insights from vast astronomical datasets. Beyond her research, Maggie is a passionate science communicator, educator, and media contributor who shares the wonder of astronomy through public outreach, television appearances, and her online platform, inspiring audiences around the world to explore the cosmos.
Trace Dominguez is an award-winning science communicator, writer, producer, podcaster, and on-camera host who has spent more than 15 years making science engaging and accessible for audiences around the world. Best known as the longtime host, writer, and producer of “Seeker,” a digital science series that has amassed more than a billion views and tens of millions of followers, Trace has explored topics ranging from biology and engineering to psychology, technology, futurism, and the cosmos. He is also the creator of “SciencePlus” and “Uno Dos of Trace,” where he continues to inspire curiosity through thoughtful storytelling.
Maynard Okereke, better known as the Hip Hop M.D., is an award-winning science communicator, engineer, entrepreneur, author, and speaker dedicated to making STEM engaging and accessible for audiences of all backgrounds. A civil engineering graduate of the University of Washington, he founded Hip Hop Science to inspire young people — especially those from underrepresented communities — to see themselves in science and engineering. Blending his backgrounds in engineering, entertainment, and music, Maynard has built a dynamic career communicating science through television, social media, and live events. His work has been featured by Netflix, Scientific American, the Science Channel, and Curiosity Stream. Through his energetic storytelling and authentic voice, Maynard is helping redefine what a scientist looks like while inspiring the next generation of innovators to pursue careers in STEM.
Sarah Al-Ahmed is an astrophysicist, science communicator, and the host and producer of “Planetary Radio,” the award-winning weekly podcast and radio show from The Planetary Society. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in astrophysics, Sarah began her career conducting supernova research before dedicating herself to science communication. She spent six years at Los Angeles' iconic Griffith Observatory as a museum guide, writer, and show producer, helping make astronomy accessible to the public through exhibits, live programming, and publications. Today, she interviews scientists, engineers, and mission leaders from around the world, sharing the stories behind humanity's exploration of the Solar System and inspiring audiences to discover the wonder of space.
While weightlessness may last only a few minutes, the stories our mentees tell afterward have the power to inspire for years to come. That’s why these mentors will leverage their decades of experience to help our participants share the wonder of science with audiences around the world.
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