“Cosmic Messengers” is an oil painting depicting the 16 Psyche asteroid in false colors (pink and purple). There are several vertical lines representing energy signatures of different precious metal isotopes found on 16 Psyche’s surface, which show the asteroid with inverted coloring. The Iron and Nickel lines are highlighted, with Iron-54 in red and Nickel-60 and Nickel-58 in green.

Psyche Inspired Showcase – Iridium Class

During the 2024-2025 academic year, 16 talented undergraduate artists from across the nation created a series of works inspired by the NASA Psyche mission.

Scroll down to experience the art through the 3D virtual gallery and visit each artist’s dedicated page below to explore their works and hear from them in their own words.

 

Welcome from Haley Bates-Tarasewicz & William Chhit, Psyche Mission Engineers

A screenshot of a virtual art gallery showing Psyche Inspired art on the walls.

Psyche Inspired 3D Virtual Gallery

Wander through the rooms of our 3D virtual gallery from Spatial and view the artworks from this year’s interns. Recorded video tours are available.
A shiny metal sculpture about 20 inches tall, composed of a model asteroid with many steel wires protruding from the surface. The wires loop back around into the asteroid, forming curved shapes that resemble a woman’s face and hair. The sculpture is supported by a clear rod connected to a marble base, making it appear to be floating freely.

Undergrads: Apply to be a Psyche Inspired Intern!

Inspired by what you see? The Psyche Inspired application for the 2025-2026 academic year (Platinum Class) is now open! View the requirements and share with others. Applications are due August 29, 2025.
Sticker one: “Metal to the Core” text with Psyche character playing an electric guitar with magnetic waves radiating off her. Sticker two: “Psyched out of your Mind” text half the Psyche character head as the asteroid with a metallic effect Sticker Three: “Get Psyched” text with character being silly with her hands in a picture pose Sticker Four: “Psyched” text with a headshot of the character

Questions/Comments for the Interns?

Have questions or comments you’d like to share with the interns or the program? Share your 2 (or 16!) cents via our contact form!
The cover says "Letters to The Universe" on an envelope. The whole zine reads, "Dear Universe, we sent out a friend. I'm sure you may have met. Not to worry she isn't lost, she's looking for her namesake. Perhaps they can answer her questions that we cannot. We wonder what she'll see on that long journey ahead. She's alone out there. Keep her company, won't you? Sincerely, Earth".

Virtual Goody Bag!

Can’t get enough Psyche Inspired creativity? Download these Showcase goodies for extra fun and inspiration!
Meet the Interns Program Overview

The Artists Share Their Works & Words

Alexa Jones Headshot

Alexa Jones

Institution: Arizona State University Major: Mechanical Engineering
Ash Soriano Headshot

Ash Soriano

Institution: Arizona State University Major: Media Arts and Sciences
Brooke Flanagan Headshot

Brooke Flanagan

Institution: Plymouth State University Major: Graphic Design
Cameron Sacra Headshot

Cameron Sacra

Institution: University of Arizona Major: BA Studio Arts
Carrie Geisler Headshot

Carrie Geisler

Institution: Princeton University Major: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Hoang Nguyen Headshot

Hoang Nguyen

Institution: University of Maryland Major: Astronomy
Injir Batmunkh Headshot

Injir Batmunkh

Institution: Iowa State University Major: Scientific Illustration and Visualization
Jessica Gurney Headshot

Jessica Gurney

Institution: University of Arizona Major: Astronomy
Jessica Hall Headshot

Jessica Hall

Institution: Rochester Institute of Technology Major: New Media Design
Liz Phillips Headshot

Liz Phillips

Institution: University of California, Santa Barbara Major: Physics
Madelaine Vu Headshot

Madelaine T. Vu

Institution: Arizona State University Major: Neuroscience and Psychology
Nidhi Shah Headshot

Nidhi Shah

Institution: Columbia University Major: Mechanical Engineering
Rebecca Farmer Headshot

Rebecca Farmer

Institution: Utah State University Major: BA in Music (Composition)
Therese Cook Headshot

Therese Manesia Cook

Institution: University of California, Los Angeles Major: Physics
Veronica Keff Headshot

Veronica Keff

Institution: University of Colorado, Boulder Major: Astrophysics, Mathematics Minor
Aalijah Johnson Headshot

Aalijah Maria Ululani Johnson (Fall 2024 Only)

Institution: The Evergreen State College Major: BA Psychology and Art, BS in Computer Science

Learn More About Psyche Inspired

Psyche Inspired is a program that brings undergraduate students from any discipline or major together to share the excitement, innovation, and scientific and engineering content of NASA’s Psyche mission with the public in new ways through artistic and creative works. The application for new interns is open now! (Not an undergraduate? You can still contribute creatively through #PsycheSpaceCRAFTY!)

Take a look at our map that shows how the Psyche Inspired program has grown over the years!

View Work from Other Years
Psyche Inspired 2025-24 Psyche Inspired 2024-23 Psyche Inspired 2023-22 Psyche Inspired 2022-21 Psyche Inspired 2021-20 Psyche Inspired 2020-19 Psyche Inspired 2025-24 Psyche Inspired 2019-18 Psyche Inspired 2018-17