Deana L. Weibel – The Conversation

Gene Roddenberry, second from right, and Star Trek cast members visit the Space Shuttle Enterprise in 1976 with NASA Administrator James C. Fletcher, left. NASA

September 8, 2026

‘Star Trek’ and NASA have intertwined legacies – the show championed diversity and inspired generations of real space scientists

Deana L. Weibel, Grand Valley State University

60 years of ‘Star Trek’: A cultural anthropologist on how the show’s “infinite diversity in infinite combinations” conception helped shape NASA’s vision of the future.

During a total solar eclipse, the Sun is barely visible behind the Moon. Roger Sorensen

May 18, 2026

Seeing an eclipse from Earth is awe‑inspiring – for astronauts seeing one from space, the scene was even more grand

Deana L. Weibel, Grand Valley State University

Astronauts report feeling profoundly awestruck when they go to space, an anthropologist reports. This experience shapes their perspectives even back on Earth.

Ryland Grace, the ‘Project Hail Mary’ protagonist, exhibits intellectual humility while problem-solving to save the Earth. Amazon MGM Studios

March 31, 2026

‘Project Hail Mary’ demonstrates how intellectual humility can be a guiding force for scientists and astronauts

Deana L. Weibel, Grand Valley State University

Curiosity and an openness to new ideas help Ryland Grace, the movie’s protagonist, navigate new discoveries about life in the universe.

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