Ten Lone Star College students recently participated in the Community College Aerospace Scholars program through NASA.
The aerospace-related experience for community college students and professors throughout the state is hosted annually. The program includes web-based assignments and a two day visit to Johnson Space Center where students and professors have the opportunity to interact with engineers and scientists.
“I really enjoyed the presentations about internships and co-op programs that are available to students interested in eventually getting a job at NASA,” said LSC-North Harris student Bonnie Stern.
“I also enjoyed speaking with the mentors assigned to my group about the education they are receiving and have received to get them where they are today,” said Stern.
Community College Aerospace Scholars is funded by the state and administered by the NASA Johnson Space Center. Each community college district across Texas nominates students interested in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to travel together to Johnson Space Center for the two day experience.
Students participate in a team project directed by NASA engineers, attend engineer, scientist and astronaut briefings, tour NASA JSC facilities and interact with students from across the state.
“My most memorable moment was our visit to mission control,” said Matt Rush, LSC-Montgomery student.
“Our team arrived just before the International Space Station crossed the terminal from day into night. As the Earth spun by, the shadow grew larger and sunlight glinted off the lens only to be swallowed by the dark of night. Watching as night crept over Earth is a moment I will always remember,” said Rush.
“The most memorable moment of the NASA trip for me, would be the moment my team selected me as the participant that contributed most to the team,” said LSC-Montgomery student, Amanda Schubert.
“ NASA is now writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf due to the selection. I could not have accomplished this without the classes and teachers from LSC-Montgomery. Every class that I have endeavored has helped form me into the person that contributed so much that day,” said Schubert.
LSC students that participated in the program included; Aaron Syntka, Amanda Schubert, Bonnie Stern, Matthew Rush, Brandon Saylor, James Crandall, Michael McDowell, Michelle Gale, Katrina Meng and Ronald Co.
“It was a great opportunity for students to see what NASA has to offer, both as job opportunities and as a contribution to space explorations,” said Mayada Shahrokhi, LSC-CyFair math professor.
Lone Star College System consists of five colleges, including CyFair, Kingwood, Montgomery, North Harris, and Tomball, six centers and Lone Star College-University Center. With more than 49,200 students in credit classes last fall, LSCS is the third largest community college system in Texas. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.
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