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  • sbsc24
    • Aug 19, 2020

OU International Student Launches Space Exploration Club


OU senior Abood Hannoon, an international student from Palestine, has a passion for space. An electrical engineering major, Hannoon describes himself as “curious and wanting to constantly learn more things.” In his time at OU, he hoped to join an organization that would facilitate his interest in space exploration, allow him to meet like-minded students and participate in projects. When he didn’t find one, the solution was simple: he would start it himself.

Exploring Space from the OU Campus

Beginning this semester, Hannoon is launching the OU chapter of Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) an international organization with 80 chapters at universities nationwide that promotes space exploration and development through educational and engineering projects.

“Space exploration is one of the most exciting things right now,” Hannoon says. “I genuinely believe that the university should invest more resources towards it, and it aligns with the newly announced mission of the university perfectly.”

Students who join SEDS OU will have the opportunity to participate in projects (like designing space missions), competitions (from rocket-building to satellites to art), and professional workshops and conferences, as well as social events like stargazing parties. The group will work with its parent organization (SEDS), NASA and the private sector to offer students truly unique opportunities for learning and innovation.

SEDS OU president, senior Abood Hannoon

Inclusive & International

SEDS OU welcomes students of all levels, majors and backgrounds, and Hannoon hopes that the group will appeal especially to international students, who often face obstacles in fields like space exploration.

“International students have very limited opportunities when it comes to being involved in space exploration here in the US due to ITAR restrictions,” he explains. “I decided to start SEDS OU and make sure that everyone can be part of it in one way or another. I think that it is extremely unfair that international students are unable to be part of an adventure that should involve and inspire all of humanity, and at SEDS OU we will make sure that everyone is capable of being involved regardless of where they come from.”

Students who don’t have a background in STEM fields are encouraged to join SEDS OU as well—the group will pursue non-technical as well as technical projects, and values different perspectives. All potential members really need are those qualities Hannoon himself holds so dear—passion, curiosity and a love of learning.

“Contributing to a future where humanity is multi-planetary is one of the most inspiring things that any student or university can be part of,” he says, “and we aim to push OU towards that direction.”

Interested in Learning More about SEDS OU?

Visit the Crimson Welcome Week Involvement Fair this Friday August 21 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on the South Oval or online via zoom.

Join or Contact:

SEDS OU official website: www.sedsou.com

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