Academia (or, Academic). All things related to school at the college level.

Conference. A professional gathering of companies, speakers, and experts that share and exchange knowledge and opportunities. Typically discipline-specific. Students and organization members often get to attend for free or at discounted prices.

Discipline (or, Field). An area of study (i.e., medicine, math, astronomy).

Fellowship. A long-term development opportunity, usually one year at length. Requires part-time or full-time commitment in exchange for professional mentorships, attending conferences, employment opportunities, and sometimes housing or a stipend. Note: Not all fellowships provide scholarships, housing, or stipends.

First-Generation. Someone who is the first in their family to graduate with a degree from an accredited college or university. May also include people who are the first to be born in the country that their parents immigrated to.

Foundation. A nonprofit organization that provides funding to other high-level organizations, such as academic institutions.

Funding. Money that does not need to be repaid, usually to support research, a startup, or a non-profit. Funding may come from a government organization, academic institution, entity or an individual.

Grand Challenge. An event where research teams from different disciplines work together to solve some of our greatest real-world problems.

Grant. Money that is awarded on a competitive-basis to support a project. Usually research-related, but not limited to academia.

Historical Minority. People whose heritage, culture, gender, ethnic and/or racial background have been systematically oppressed or subordinate to the majority group for several decades or centuries.

Internship. Short-term, conditional employment (ideally in your discipline), typically a semester or more at length. May or may not include housing, relocation assistance, or financial compensation.

(Inter)National Organization. A professional development opportunity that consists of members committed to the designated theme (i.e., aerospace, STEM, history). May be discipline-specific or a mix of many different disciplines. Students often encouraged to join for free or at discounted prices.

Lab. A designated place to conduct research. Depending on the research, may include an office setting, sterilized room, online space, and/or the outdoors.

Loan. Money that is borrowed and needs to be repaid, usually with interest that increases the amount and time needed to repay it.

Merit-Based. Money that is awarded based on how qualified the applicant is, not by financial need.

Professional Development. Opportunities that prepare you for your professional career. Can include workshops, conferences, mentorship, certifications, credentials, and additional training specific to your discipline.

Research. A project that creates new knowledge or discovery in a specific discipline.

Research Proposal. A multi-paged essay that describes the “what,” “when,” “why,” “where” and “how” of a research project. Usually written to justify why the research is necessary or needs to be funded.

Scholarship. A sum of money that does not need to be repaid, awarded to applicants on a competitive and rolling basis.

Stipend. A small sum of money that does not need to be repaid, awarded after criteria is met. Usually reserved for fellowships or similar programs.

Student Organization (or, Student Chapter). A group led by students that is recognized by the college or university. May or may not be a chapter of a larger organization. Provides access to professional development and leadership opportunities.

Thesis. A completed research proposal with the results and the conclusion from a research project. Typically one-year to complete for undergraduates, and several years for graduate students.

Aeronautics. The theory, science, and practice of creating or flying an aircraft. Traditionally led by engineers.

Aerospace. Includes commercial, industrial, military, and research applications for the Earth’s atmosphere and beyond.

Astronomy. The scientific study of celestial objects and phenomena. Traditionally led by scientists.

Astrophysics. A branch of astronomy that develops and studies the theory and physical properties of celestial objects and phenomena.

Fiscal Year. The one-year period followed by the United States Congress for taxing and accounting purposes. Different from the Gregorian calendar.

Space Anthropology. The study and investigation of how human activity in space affects humanity at-large, living and non-living things, the environment, and more. A newer field, often led by anthropologists, writers, activists, and social scientists.

Space Development & Activity. A term that encompasses a broad range of space markets and space applications in technology, policy, and economic development.

Space Economy. The economic activities and relationships for space infrastructure and technology.

Space Ethics & Human Rights. The legality and sovereignty of space exploration and technology as it affects Earth and other celestial objects. A newer field, often led by lawyers, policymakers, and concerned citizens.

Space Industry. The economic, political, legal, technological, and scientific activities within and beyond the Earth’s orbit. Traditionally reserved for satellite-related activities.

Space Infrastructure. The set of operations, systems, and physical structures that enable technological and economic function. For example, modern space infrastructure focuses on lunar telecommunications, habitats, and robotics.

Space Medicine. The practice of conducting medical research in space or studying the effects of space on human health. A newer field, often led by doctors, researchers, and health professionals.

Space Operations. The activities relating to commanding, controlling, and launching objects into space, such as payloads, satellites, and rockets.

Space Sustainability. The activities, partnerships, and legality of space activity around and beyond Earth as it relates to climate, conservation, and health. A newer field, often led by policymakers, geospatial analysts, entrepreneurs, and humanitarians.