NASA’s SEES Summer Intern Program: A Gateway to Authentic Spaceflight Research for High School Students
The NASA Science Activation program’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer Intern Program, managed by the University of Texas Center for Space Research, is providing high school students with remarkable opportunities to engage in genuine spaceflight research. This program has been particularly successful in making space research accessible to young minds eager to explore the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Recently, as part of the SEES Microgravity Research initiative, a select group of four interns were given the rare opportunity to conduct experiments in a microgravity environment aboard the ZERO-G parabolic aircraft. This flight provided them with 11 minutes of weightlessness across 30 parabolas to carry out their experiments.
This unique opportunity was made possible through a collaborative effort between SEES, Space for Teachers, the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium, and the International Space Station National Laboratory (CASIS). These partnerships are instrumental in offering students training that is directly aligned with industry standards, along with hands-on experience in designing, testing, and integrating aerospace experiments.
The 2025 SEES Microgravity Research Team
The following students were selected from nearly 100 proposals submitted by 2024 SEES interns and were given the chance to participate in this extraordinary research experience:
- Charlee Chandler, 11th grade, Rehobeth High School (Dothan, AL): Focused on studying Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) and Vestibular-Ocular Reflex (VOR) in a microgravity environment.
- Aya Elamrani-Zerifi, 11th grade, Hereford High School (Parkton, MD): Investigated Thermocapillary-Induced Bubble Dynamics, which examines how bubbles behave when influenced by temperature variations in microgravity.
- Lily Myers, 12th grade, Eastlake High School (Sammamish, WA): Researched Propellant Slosh Damping using Polyurethane Foam, aiming to understand how to mitigate liquid movement within spacecraft fuel tanks.
- Nathan Scalf, 11th grade, Lexington Christian Academy (Lexington, KY): Developed a Wound Irrigation System specifically designed for use in microgravity, which could have significant implications for medical procedures in space.
These students underwent rigorous preparation for their flight, which included weekly technical mentorship and adherence to structured milestones. Their training encompassed proposal development, design reviews, safety assessments, hardware testing, and a comprehensive payload integration process, all aligned with industry and mission standards.
Experimentation and Innovation
In addition to their individual experiments, the interns also played a role in supporting the flight of 12 team-designed experiments that were integrated into the ZQube platform. This compact research carrier was co-developed by Twiggs Space Lab, Space for Teachers, and NASA SEES, allowing over 150 SEES interns from across the United States to contribute to microgravity investigations. Each autonomous experiment within the ZQube features onboard sensors, cameras, and transparent test chambers, which collect valuable video and sensor data for analysis post-flight.
A Broader Mission
The microgravity research opportunity is just one aspect of the broader mission of the SEES program. This initiative is designed to prepare students for future careers in aerospace, spaceflight engineering, and scientific research. By engaging directly with NASA scientists, academic mentors, and commercial aerospace experts, students gain real-world insights into systems engineering and the technical disciplines that are essential in today’s space industry.
The SEES summer intern program is a nationally competitive STEM experience open to 10th and 11th-grade high school students. Interns have the chance to learn how to interpret NASA satellite data while working alongside scientists and engineers in their chosen fields. These fields include astronomy, remote sensing, and space geodetic techniques, all of which contribute to a better understanding of Earth systems, natural hazards, and climate change. This program is supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNH15ZDA004C and is part of NASAās Science Activation Portfolio.
For those interested in learning more about how Science Activation connects NASA science experts with communities to foster a deeper understanding of our world and beyond, further information is available at Science Activation.
A Transformative Experience
The involvement of high school students in this kind of advanced research demonstrates the potential that young minds possess when given the right resources and opportunities. The SEES program not only provides a platform for students to engage in meaningful scientific inquiry but also inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers who will continue to push the boundaries of space exploration and technology.
Perspectives and Reactions
This initiative has been met with positive reactions from educational and scientific communities alike. Educators applaud the hands-on experience and the exposure to real-world applications of classroom learning, which can be transformative for students. Furthermore, the program highlights the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies, and private organizations in fostering innovation and scientific literacy.
The SEES program illustrates the significant impact that targeted educational initiatives can have on young learners. By allowing students to participate in complex research projects and providing them with the tools to succeed, NASA and its partners are not only preparing students for future careers but also nurturing a lifelong passion for discovery and innovation.
Conclusion
The NASA Science Activation program’s SEES Summer Intern Program exemplifies the power of experiential learning in STEM education. By immersing students in authentic research experiences and connecting them with experts in the field, the program opens doors to future opportunities and inspires a new generation of space enthusiasts and professionals. As these interns continue to explore and innovate, they pave the way for exciting advancements in space science and technology, ensuring a bright future for space exploration.
For additional details on the SEES Summer Intern Program and other NASA educational initiatives, visit the NASA Science Activation website.
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