COLONIE — A Shaker junior was selected for the Student Enhancement in Earth and Space Science summer internship at the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research.
Rohan Bagchi was one of 54 chosen of nearly 600 applicants from across the country.
The students will work with scientists and engineers to conduct research from data received from NASA’s earth observing satellites as well as design Mars habitats, lunar exploration and analysis of images from the International Space Station.
“This nationally competitive program sponsored by NASA’s Texas Space Grant Consortium selects students who will increase their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math through earth and space education,” according to the consortium. “The internships are organized around an aerospace or space science theme drawn from NASA’s diverse engineering and scientific research programs. The program combines the strengths of collaborators to enrich teaching and learning of STEM.”
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and is loosely defined as an interdisciplinary approach to learning that couples academic concepts with real world experience.
The program is sponsored by NASA’s Texas Space Grant Consortium in collaboration with The University of Texas Center for Space Research and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Students work remotely with their project scientist prior to the on-site internship. During the two weeks the students will work at UT/CSR, they will conduct hands-on activities, field investigations, attend presentations by NASA scientists and engineers, and work on various NASA missions.
Students will head to the University of Texas at Austin from July 13-27 to conduct experiments, tour facilities, network with other students, and conduct research while being mentored by NASA scientists and engineers at The University of Texas at Austin.
“Earth is a complex, dynamic system we do not yet fully understand. The Earth system, like the human body, comprises diverse components that interact in complex ways. We strive to understand the Earth’s atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere as a single connected system,” according to the consortium. “Our planet is changing on all spatial and temporal scales. The purpose of NASA’s Earth science program is to develop a scientific understanding of Earth’s system and its response to natural or human-induced changes, and to improve prediction of climate, weather, and natural hazards.”
