Photo credit: www.nasa.gov

Nurturing Future Innovators: The Impact of NASA’s High School Aerospace Scholars Program

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement at the Johnson Space Center in Houston has launched a transformative initiative known as the High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program. Targeting Texas juniors, this program immerses students in hands-on experiences related to space exploration, engaging them in tasks such as rocket construction and collaborative problem-solving.

Alumni of the HAS program reflect on its profound influence, sharing their journeys and illustrating how the program paved the way for successful careers in STEM fields while also motivating them to inspire others.

Jessica Cordero, who led the program from 2018 to 2021 as the Community Engagement Lead, reminisced about her engagement with the students. “Working with these amazing students, who brought creativity and resolve to their aspirations, was an honor,” Cordero noted. “Through their time in HAS, they formed connections with peers equally passionate about NASA and STEM, emerging from the program with clear academic goals. This generation is ready to take on the challenges ahead—we are certainly in good hands!”

Highlighted Alumnus: Neel Narayan

Neel Narayan describes his experience in NASA’s HAS program as a pivotal moment that reshaped his understanding of his role in space exploration.

“The challenges I faced during HAS, and the mentorship I received, equipped me with the skills to navigate complex problems,” Narayan explained. “I learned that discomfort and confusion are part of the process, and solving challenging issues is intrinsic to STEM.” Initially, he considered a STEM career as a solitary endeavor focused solely on intricate calculations. However, Narayan’s time in the program shattered that misconception. “HAS broke down complicated concepts into manageable information, demonstrating that complexity can be simplified,” he said.

Reflecting on his one-week on-site experience, Narayan shared, “I had the chance to interact with scientists, build rockets, and explore NASA’s facilities—all without getting bogged down in equations! HAS revealed that STEM encompasses much more than technical tasks.”

He emphasized the value of collaboration in problem-solving. “Participating with others allowed me to discover solutions I had never thought of,” he stated. “The greatest asset when resolving an issue is often another person.” Narayan credits the relationships he built within the HAS community, particularly with his fellow scholars, for his growth both academically and professionally. “Meeting with other scholars has fostered important discussions about our work and careers,” he highlighted. “I’m thankful for these connections and the success we’re all experiencing.”

For those high school students exploring STEM but feeling uncertain, Narayan encourages them to keep searching. “You don’t need to have a defined career path, and quite frankly, you shouldn’t feel pressured to,” he advised. “The STEM field is incredibly expansive and rich with opportunities.” Currently, Narayan is pursuing a master’s in computational and mathematical engineering at Stanford University after earning his undergraduate degree in computer science. He is eager to contribute to NASA’s innovative work. “Being part of NASA’s groundbreaking research is a long-held dream of mine,” he expressed.

Meet Sarah Braun

Sarah Braun’s involvement in the HAS program clarified how a STEM career could encompass her varied interests, from design to aerospace logistics. Throughout her journey from HAS to her current profession, Braun recognizes that STEM careers can be as diverse as the individuals who pursue them.

“The HAS program opened my eyes to the myriad options available; it was limited only by my imagination,” she said. “It instilled in me the belief that all facets of my skill set, including creativity, had a place within STEM.”

The program also served as a gateway for networking and collaboration with peers from varied backgrounds. “One of the most challenging aspects was learning to articulate my design ideas effectively,” Braun explained. “But through observing my teammates and mentors, I developed essential communication skills.”

According to Braun, the networking opportunities provided by HAS have been crucial in her academic and career development. “My mentors from HAS have been invaluable, guiding me through my college years and early career. Their mentorship has significantly influenced my professional trajectory,” she mentioned. Following her time with the HAS program, Braun interned at NASA, ultimately leading to a career at Collins Aerospace.

For students unsure of their career paths, Braun urges them to engage actively and seek knowledge. “Many pursue STEM out of passion or a desire for challenge,” she said. “Conversations with others about their journeys have been incredibly inspiring to me.” Braun is also committed to education and outreach, emphasizing that mentoring and leading STEM clubs has become her main contributions to NASA’s exploration mission.

Introducing Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott attributes her enthusiasm for science to the HAS program, which connected her to the thrill of real-world discoveries. “Experiences like witnessing the livestream of NASA’s InSight Lander mission and Cassini’s Grand Finale ignited my passion for space exploration,” she remarked.

Scott explained how HAS broadened her view of STEM, demonstrating the many practical applications of a STEM degree. After graduation, she decided to study astrophysics at the University of Chicago, where she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in experimental cosmology, laying the groundwork for her aspirations in space exploration.

“The confidence and encouragement I gained from HAS spurred me to take bold steps in my academic journey,” Scott recalled. Her experience in the program also honed her teamwork and fast-paced problem-solving skills. “My school environment hadn’t prioritized group projects, so learning to collaborate effectively with diverse teams was an eye-opening experience,” she said. “HAS provided a supportive environment for me to experiment with leadership and collaboration.”

For high school students contemplating their future, Scott encourages them to “explore everything.” “When you feel a spark of interest, seize that opportunity to learn something new,” she advised. “Time spent finding out what you don’t enjoy is just as valuable as discovering what you do.” She also emphasized the importance of seeking resources and building connections with mentors.

Scott maintains connections with her peers from HAS, particularly young women pursuing careers in STEM. “We’ve been able to support each other through challenges,” she emphasized. Her HAS experience opened doors to various opportunities, including the Brooke Owens Fellowship, where she collaborated on a satellite project with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and received the Illinois Space Grant award that brought her to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. As a Ph.D. candidate, Scott sees her research potentially intersecting with NASA’s mission and is open to future involvement with the agency.

“I’ll continue advocating for advancements in space exploration and pushing the boundaries of knowledge,” she expressed. “My research is driven by profound questions about the universe and our existence.”

Source
www.nasa.gov