Joseph Bate is a U.S. Army combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and first-generation college student studying physics and mathematics at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. He conducts innovative research on using fungi to recycle metals and support future space exploration initiatives. Joseph has contributed to student-led research experiments connected to the International Space Station. He is actively involved in student government and sustainability leadership on campus. Joseph is passionate about mentoring young people into STEM fields, especially those who may feel overlooked or underestimated.