On January 22nd, as part of the IGNITE Worldwide Program, students from five public schools across Poland had the extraordinary opportunity to meet Dr. Anna Łosiak, a planetary geologist whose work is helping unlock the secrets of our solar system.
Dr. Łosiak is a researcher at the Institute of Geological Sciences at the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN). A graduate of the University of Warsaw and Michigan State University, she earned her PhD from the University of Vienna and has continued her scientific journey through positions at institutions such as the University of Exeter in the UK. Her impressive career includes prestigious awards and fellowships from Fulbright, NCN, the Polish Science Foundation, Europlanet, and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie program. She has also been involved in several space mission projects.
During the virtual IGNITE Panel, Dr. Łosiak introduced students to the fascinating world of planetary geology—particularly her research on impact craters and Mars exploration. She explained how studying the surfaces of other planets not only helps us understand the cosmos but also offers powerful insights into Earth’s own geological history and structural changes.
The students were especially intrigued to learn about terrestrial landscapes that mimic Martian conditions—deserts, glaciers, and volcanic terrains that serve as analogues for space exploration training and research. Through stories of scientific fieldwork in these extreme environments, Anna illustrated how science is not only about labs and theories but also about travel, discovery, and adventure.
This inspiring event opened students’ eyes to the broad possibilities of a STEM career. They saw firsthand how science can be a path to exploring both our planet and others—and how curiosity, perseverance, and passion can lead to a career that’s out of this world.
Special thanks to our incredible mentor, Dr. Anna Łosiak, and to the educators and leadership teams from the participating schools: Szkoła Podstawowa Sióstr Urszulanek UR in Lublin, Szkoła Podstawowa nr 2 im. Orląt Lwowskich in Wołów, Zespół Szkolno-Przedszkolny im. Kornela Makuszyńskiego in Kalej, Szkoła Podstawowa im. Marii Konopnickiej in Nowa Wieś Wielka, and Szkoła Podstawowa in Siedlec Duży.
Thanks to this event, IGNITE students were reminded that science isn’t just about facts and figures—it’s about pushing boundaries, imagining possibilities, and exploring new worlds.
About IGNITE Worldwide:
IGNITE Worldwide is a 501(c)3 nonprofit STEM education organization that aims to change gender and racial equity in STEM permanently and systematically. We work directly with teachers during the school day to provide programming that promotes gender equity and representation in STEM academics and careers. Through our award-winning program, IGNITE provides engaging, hands-on events that connect students with STEM professionals from industry leaders from around the world. Learn more at igniteworldwide.org.