NASA Engages University Students in Transformative Aviation Research Projects
NASA has announced the selection of two new university student teams to work on aviation research challenges with the potential to revolutionize the way we perceive the skies above our communities. This initiative is part of NASA’s University Student Research Challenge (USRC), which provides students with the opportunity to contribute significantly to NASA’s flight research objectives. The selection marks a historic moment for USRC as it includes the first award to a community college, namely Cerritos Community College.
Expanding the Talent Pool in Aeronautics
Steven Holz, the NASA Project Manager overseeing the USRC award process, emphasized the importance of tapping into the diverse talent available at community colleges. “We’re trying to tap into the community college talent pool to bring new students to the table for aeronautics,” Holz explained. He noted that innovation is not limited to traditional educational backgrounds and that people from diverse educational experiences, such as those in community colleges, have the potential to make substantial contributions to the field of aeronautics.
Real-World Research Experience
Through the USRC, students are immersed in the real-world aspects of the research ecosystem, both inside and outside the laboratory. Participants manage their own research projects, employ cutting-edge technology, and collaborate with experienced aeronautical researchers. This experience not only aims to enhance their technical skills but also encourages them to make unique contributions to NASA’s research priorities.
Beyond technical research, the USRC program offers students a holistic learning experience. Each selected team receives a USRC grant from NASA and is tasked with an additional challenge: raising funds through student-led crowdfunding. This aspect of the program is designed to cultivate skills in entrepreneurship and public communication, preparing students for a variety of future career paths.
Innovative Research Projects
The newly selected university teams will focus on the following research topics:
Project F.I.R.E. (Fire Intervention Retardant Expeller)
This project aims to address the pressing issue of wildfires by developing environmentally friendly fire-retardant pellets that can be deployed from drones. The team from Cerritos Community College is led by Angel Ortega Barrera and includes members Larisa Mayoral, Paola Mayoral Jimenez, Jenny Rodriguez, Logan Stahl, and Juan Villa, with guidance from faculty mentor Janet McLarty-Schroeder. This team has previously participated in NASA’s Gateway to Blue Skies competition, which fosters engagement between NASA’s University Innovation project and various stakeholders, including universities, industry, and government partners.
Design and Prototyping of a 9-phase Dual-Rotor Motor for Supersonic Electric Turbofan
The second project involves creating a scaled-down prototype of an electric turbofan intended for supersonic aircraft. The team from the Colorado School of Mines is led by Mahzad Gholamian and includes Garret Reader, Mykola Mazur, and Mirali Seyedrezaei, with faculty mentorship from Omid Beik.
Impact and Opportunities
Participating in the USRC offers students a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, enhancing their academic and professional development. The projects not only contribute to NASA’s research goals but also address broader societal issues, such as wildfire management and sustainable aviation technology.
The initiative underscores NASA’s commitment to fostering the next generation of innovators by providing them with the tools and support necessary to succeed in the highly competitive field of aeronautics. By engaging students from diverse educational backgrounds, NASA ensures a wide array of perspectives and ideas are brought to the table, fostering an environment of creativity and innovation.
Additional Resources
For those interested in learning more about the USRC awards and the solicitation process, including proposal submission guidelines, detailed information is available on the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate solicitation page.
Conclusion
NASA’s selection of these innovative university teams highlights the agency’s dedication to advancing aeronautical research while providing invaluable educational experiences. By investing in the talents of students from diverse backgrounds, NASA not only drives forward its research agenda but also nurtures a new generation of aerospace pioneers. As these projects develop, they hold the promise of contributing to significant advancements in aviation technology, potentially transforming the skies above us for the better.
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