Ali Bramson
@alibramson.bsky.social
Planetary scientist finding ice on Mars with NASA space robots | Professor @ PurdueEAPS | she/her | 👩🔬🚀🪐❄️🌈
I am so honored to participate in the doctoral hooding ceremony of Dr. @krislaferriere.bsky.social today! Kris helped me kick off our research group here at Purdue 5 yrs ago, and is now moving on to be a postdoctoral scholar at the Florida Space Institute at the University of Central Florida! 🥳🚀🪐☄️
August 10, 2025 at 1:48 AM
I am so honored to participate in the doctoral hooding ceremony of Dr. @krislaferriere.bsky.social today! Kris helped me kick off our research group here at Purdue 5 yrs ago, and is now moving on to be a postdoctoral scholar at the Florida Space Institute at the University of Central Florida! 🥳🚀🪐☄️
Reposted by Ali Bramson
If the US focuses exclusively on the “hot” science of today, it will be completely unprepared for the science and technology challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
Meanwhile, other countries will happily take the lead.
(🧵3/3)
Meanwhile, other countries will happily take the lead.
(🧵3/3)
May 10, 2025 at 2:22 AM
If the US focuses exclusively on the “hot” science of today, it will be completely unprepared for the science and technology challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
Meanwhile, other countries will happily take the lead.
(🧵3/3)
Meanwhile, other countries will happily take the lead.
(🧵3/3)
Reposted by Ali Bramson
USGS Folks can’t be at #LPSC2025 and someone hung up a shirt with a flower as a memorial of sorts. We’re already feeling the loss of their presence and a bunch of other members of the community who can’t be here for a myriad of reasons.
March 11, 2025 at 12:07 AM
USGS Folks can’t be at #LPSC2025 and someone hung up a shirt with a flower as a memorial of sorts. We’re already feeling the loss of their presence and a bunch of other members of the community who can’t be here for a myriad of reasons.
Reposted by Ali Bramson
Just got an email from the Fulbright Association. As of right now, funding has been cut off to 12,500 US citizens currently abroad and and more than 7,400 foreigner scholars and students in the United States
March 7, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Just got an email from the Fulbright Association. As of right now, funding has been cut off to 12,500 US citizens currently abroad and and more than 7,400 foreigner scholars and students in the United States
Reposted by Ali Bramson
I once wrote a short story about a planetary robot that cost billions and took years, only to reach its destination, turn around and phone home, but no one was left to listen, to understand, to interpret its discoveries.
I thought I was joking.
I thought I was joking.
**This would end space science as we know it.**
I’d probably be out of a job.
Successful ongoing missions would be turned off.
Future missions would be axed.
Some research centers (NASA & non-NASA) would likely dissolve.
I’d probably be out of a job.
Successful ongoing missions would be turned off.
Future missions would be axed.
Some research centers (NASA & non-NASA) would likely dissolve.
There are reports The White House is considering a 50% cut to NASA’s science programs, and 25% of its overall budget, which would be catastrophic for both current and planned missions. But, there is still time for the administration to reconsider. Read our full statement ⬇️
March 7, 2025 at 6:35 PM
I once wrote a short story about a planetary robot that cost billions and took years, only to reach its destination, turn around and phone home, but no one was left to listen, to understand, to interpret its discoveries.
I thought I was joking.
I thought I was joking.
Reposted by Ali Bramson
**There’s no commercial equivalent to NASA science.**
Many companies—like ALL of these commercial lunar landers—survive out of NASA science.
If enacted, this would cede United States leadership in space science (primarily to China).
Many companies—like ALL of these commercial lunar landers—survive out of NASA science.
If enacted, this would cede United States leadership in space science (primarily to China).
March 7, 2025 at 5:19 PM
**There’s no commercial equivalent to NASA science.**
Many companies—like ALL of these commercial lunar landers—survive out of NASA science.
If enacted, this would cede United States leadership in space science (primarily to China).
Many companies—like ALL of these commercial lunar landers—survive out of NASA science.
If enacted, this would cede United States leadership in space science (primarily to China).
Reposted by Ali Bramson
**This would end space science as we know it.**
I’d probably be out of a job.
Successful ongoing missions would be turned off.
Future missions would be axed.
Some research centers (NASA & non-NASA) would likely dissolve.
I’d probably be out of a job.
Successful ongoing missions would be turned off.
Future missions would be axed.
Some research centers (NASA & non-NASA) would likely dissolve.
There are reports The White House is considering a 50% cut to NASA’s science programs, and 25% of its overall budget, which would be catastrophic for both current and planned missions. But, there is still time for the administration to reconsider. Read our full statement ⬇️
The Planetary Society: reported cuts to NASA would amount to an…
The Planetary Society, the world’s largest independent space interest organization, issued a statement in response to recent reports that the White House…
www.planetary.org
March 7, 2025 at 5:19 PM
**This would end space science as we know it.**
I’d probably be out of a job.
Successful ongoing missions would be turned off.
Future missions would be axed.
Some research centers (NASA & non-NASA) would likely dissolve.
I’d probably be out of a job.
Successful ongoing missions would be turned off.
Future missions would be axed.
Some research centers (NASA & non-NASA) would likely dissolve.
Reposted by Ali Bramson
This administration is literally destroying US science.
The NSF REU program is a foundational pathway for building the next generation science workforce. I say as an REU alum.
The NSF REU program is a foundational pathway for building the next generation science workforce. I say as an REU alum.
March 3, 2025 at 2:42 AM
This administration is literally destroying US science.
The NSF REU program is a foundational pathway for building the next generation science workforce. I say as an REU alum.
The NSF REU program is a foundational pathway for building the next generation science workforce. I say as an REU alum.
Reposted by Ali Bramson
In thinking about mental health and wellness, we want to recognize other groups under persecution as well: people who are transgender/nonbinary, have disabilities, don‘t have documentation, people of color, and others. Take care of yourselves, find your communities, be allies and support each other.
February 26, 2025 at 8:48 PM
In thinking about mental health and wellness, we want to recognize other groups under persecution as well: people who are transgender/nonbinary, have disabilities, don‘t have documentation, people of color, and others. Take care of yourselves, find your communities, be allies and support each other.
Reposted by Ali Bramson
Forgetting the sour cream in my burrito bowl is a mistake.
Destroying our infectious disease response infrastructure is malpractice.
We are being run by willfully incompetent people who are counting on us being stupid.
Destroying our infectious disease response infrastructure is malpractice.
We are being run by willfully incompetent people who are counting on us being stupid.
Elon Musk: "We will make mistakes. We won't be perfect ... so for example, with USAID, one of the things we accidentally canceled very briefly was ebola prevention."
February 26, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Forgetting the sour cream in my burrito bowl is a mistake.
Destroying our infectious disease response infrastructure is malpractice.
We are being run by willfully incompetent people who are counting on us being stupid.
Destroying our infectious disease response infrastructure is malpractice.
We are being run by willfully incompetent people who are counting on us being stupid.
Reposted by Ali Bramson
Next stop for Europa Clipper: Mars??? That’s right, we are doing a rare Mars gravity assist on March 1st to help pick up speed on our journey out to the Jupiter system. More info and cool animations below!
From NASA: On March 1st, Europa Clipper will perform a gravity assist flyby of Mars, using the planet's gravity to adjust its trajectory as it makes its way to Jupiter. No visible light images, sadly. Details: go.nasa.gov/4bfYfba
Ride along virtually: eyes.nasa.gov/apps/solar-s...
Ride along virtually: eyes.nasa.gov/apps/solar-s...
NASA’s Europa Clipper Uses Mars to Go the Distance - NASA
The orbiter bound for Jupiter’s moon Europa will investigate whether the moon is habitable, but it first will get the help of Mars’ gravitational force to get
go.nasa.gov
February 26, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Next stop for Europa Clipper: Mars??? That’s right, we are doing a rare Mars gravity assist on March 1st to help pick up speed on our journey out to the Jupiter system. More info and cool animations below!
Reposted by Ali Bramson
Researchers explore the use of machine-learning techniques for classifying maria, cryptomaria, and plains regions on the surface of the Moon. aasnova.org/2025/02/24/f... 🔭🧪
Featured Image: How Do You Solve a Problem like (Lunar) Maria?
Researchers explore the use of machine-learning techniques for classifying maria, cryptomaria, and plains regions on the surface of the Moon.
aasnova.org
February 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Researchers explore the use of machine-learning techniques for classifying maria, cryptomaria, and plains regions on the surface of the Moon. aasnova.org/2025/02/24/f... 🔭🧪
Reposted by Ali Bramson
Federal science agencies are under threat. AGU has made it easy to advocate for NSF, NOAA, NASA and more. Visit AGU’s Science Policy Action Center to stand up for science.
fromtheprow.agu.org/standing-tog...
fromtheprow.agu.org/standing-tog...
February 19, 2025 at 12:13 AM
Federal science agencies are under threat. AGU has made it easy to advocate for NSF, NOAA, NASA and more. Visit AGU’s Science Policy Action Center to stand up for science.
fromtheprow.agu.org/standing-tog...
fromtheprow.agu.org/standing-tog...
Reposted by Ali Bramson
Want to go visit the national parks this year?
Sorry.
The reservation system is shut down, EMT personnel are gone, so don't get hurt or lost. No one can clean the bathrooms or cabins, so they'll be closed. Rangers are fired.
www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti...
Sorry.
The reservation system is shut down, EMT personnel are gone, so don't get hurt or lost. No one can clean the bathrooms or cabins, so they'll be closed. Rangers are fired.
www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti...
Yosemite halts camping reservations, with no timetable for their return
Yosemite halts camping reservations, with no timetable for their return at a time when federal employees are being laid off
www.sfchronicle.com
February 18, 2025 at 2:05 AM
Want to go visit the national parks this year?
Sorry.
The reservation system is shut down, EMT personnel are gone, so don't get hurt or lost. No one can clean the bathrooms or cabins, so they'll be closed. Rangers are fired.
www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti...
Sorry.
The reservation system is shut down, EMT personnel are gone, so don't get hurt or lost. No one can clean the bathrooms or cabins, so they'll be closed. Rangers are fired.
www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti...
Reposted by Ali Bramson
Government’s wins are often invisible: Systems that avoid plane crashes; alliances that avert war; surveillance that prevent pandemics.
Government wins are often *the avoidance of loss.*
So how do we tell the story of the destruction of government? The story of future losses *not* averted?
Government wins are often *the avoidance of loss.*
So how do we tell the story of the destruction of government? The story of future losses *not* averted?
February 16, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Government’s wins are often invisible: Systems that avoid plane crashes; alliances that avert war; surveillance that prevent pandemics.
Government wins are often *the avoidance of loss.*
So how do we tell the story of the destruction of government? The story of future losses *not* averted?
Government wins are often *the avoidance of loss.*
So how do we tell the story of the destruction of government? The story of future losses *not* averted?
Fun morning ice skating with the Purdue EAPS department! 🥰⛸️❄️🏒
February 15, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Fun morning ice skating with the Purdue EAPS department! 🥰⛸️❄️🏒
Are you an undergraduate student thinking about graduate school in the sciences? Consider applying to Purdue's new B4PhD Program! This is a free, online mentoring program designed to help you prepare for graduate school.
More information and link to application here:
www.purdue.edu/science/grad...
More information and link to application here:
www.purdue.edu/science/grad...
February 14, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Are you an undergraduate student thinking about graduate school in the sciences? Consider applying to Purdue's new B4PhD Program! This is a free, online mentoring program designed to help you prepare for graduate school.
More information and link to application here:
www.purdue.edu/science/grad...
More information and link to application here:
www.purdue.edu/science/grad...
Reposted by Ali Bramson
Howard University is officially reclassified as an R1!!!! Remaining the only HBCU to have this status.
carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institution/...
carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institution/...
Howard University
carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu
February 13, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Howard University is officially reclassified as an R1!!!! Remaining the only HBCU to have this status.
carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institution/...
carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institution/...
Reposted by Ali Bramson
February 12, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Reposted by Ali Bramson
not paying indirect costs for research is like only paying the players in the Super Bowl.
can't have a Super Bowl without coaches, referees, security, janitors, announcers, stadium staff, and a stadium - and you can't have research without supporting people and facilities
can't have a Super Bowl without coaches, referees, security, janitors, announcers, stadium staff, and a stadium - and you can't have research without supporting people and facilities
February 9, 2025 at 11:00 PM
not paying indirect costs for research is like only paying the players in the Super Bowl.
can't have a Super Bowl without coaches, referees, security, janitors, announcers, stadium staff, and a stadium - and you can't have research without supporting people and facilities
can't have a Super Bowl without coaches, referees, security, janitors, announcers, stadium staff, and a stadium - and you can't have research without supporting people and facilities
Reposted by Ali Bramson
USAID doesn’t just support overseas work. UCAR COMET, who are hosting my sabbatical, get a big portion of their funding from USAID. This funding employs US people to develop training geoscience materials, free for anyone, incl. in the US, to use. Defunding USAID hurts the US, too. www.comet.ucar.edu
Home | COMET
www.comet.ucar.edu
February 9, 2025 at 7:45 PM
USAID doesn’t just support overseas work. UCAR COMET, who are hosting my sabbatical, get a big portion of their funding from USAID. This funding employs US people to develop training geoscience materials, free for anyone, incl. in the US, to use. Defunding USAID hurts the US, too. www.comet.ucar.edu
Reposted by Ali Bramson
This framing is their framing, and NYT took the bait. The correct and accurate framing is: “Deep cuts to medical research threatens progress on cancer and heart disease research, costs the economy $80B, and threatens 300,000 jobs across red and blue states”
February 8, 2025 at 7:17 PM
This framing is their framing, and NYT took the bait. The correct and accurate framing is: “Deep cuts to medical research threatens progress on cancer and heart disease research, costs the economy $80B, and threatens 300,000 jobs across red and blue states”
Reposted by Ali Bramson
Whenever you hear someone sneer about scientific research that seems useless to them — “they’re studying the spit of lizards?!” — remind them that’s exactly how we got Ozempic.
globalnews.ca/news/9793403...
globalnews.ca/news/9793403...
How a Canadian scientist and a venomous lizard helped pave the way for Ozempic - National | Globalnews.ca
In 1984, Dr. Daniel Drucker, an endocrinologist from the University of Toronto, discovered a hormone that helped pave the way for popular diabetes drugs such as Ozempic.
globalnews.ca
February 9, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Whenever you hear someone sneer about scientific research that seems useless to them — “they’re studying the spit of lizards?!” — remind them that’s exactly how we got Ozempic.
globalnews.ca/news/9793403...
globalnews.ca/news/9793403...
Reposted by Ali Bramson
For every dollar of federal research funding in the United States, universities generate between $2.30 and $3.00 of economy activity, much of that in local communities.
That doesn’t even include the return on investment of getting a college or graduate degree, which research also dollars support.
That doesn’t even include the return on investment of getting a college or graduate degree, which research also dollars support.
February 8, 2025 at 7:32 PM
For every dollar of federal research funding in the United States, universities generate between $2.30 and $3.00 of economy activity, much of that in local communities.
That doesn’t even include the return on investment of getting a college or graduate degree, which research also dollars support.
That doesn’t even include the return on investment of getting a college or graduate degree, which research also dollars support.
Reposted by Ali Bramson
"Each year, NIH awards over 60,000 grants that directly support more than 300,000 researchers at more than 2,500 different institutions. In fiscal year 2023, every $1 of NIH funding generated approximately $2.46 of economic activity" www.nih.gov/about-nih/wh...
Direct Economic Contributions
NIH directly supports the economy through investments in research institutions and job formation.
www.nih.gov
February 8, 2025 at 6:15 PM
"Each year, NIH awards over 60,000 grants that directly support more than 300,000 researchers at more than 2,500 different institutions. In fiscal year 2023, every $1 of NIH funding generated approximately $2.46 of economic activity" www.nih.gov/about-nih/wh...