![](media/image1.png){width="5.517361111111111in"
height="8.505555555555556in"}**National Aeronautics and Space
Administration**

NASA ACADEMY

GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

PROFILE BOOK

**\
**

Profile Book

2008 NASA Academy

Goddard Space Flight Center

![](media/image3.png){width="4.1875in" height="3.4791666666666665in"}

University Programs Office, Mail Code 130\
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center\
Greenbelt, MD 20771\
http://academy.gsfc.nasa.gov/2008

University Programs Office, Code 130

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Table of Contents {#table-of-contents .Profile---Heading-1}

Program Description [1](#program-description)

A Brief History of the NASA Academy
[3](#a-brief-history-of-the-nasa-academy)

Jennifer Allen [5](#jennifer-allen)

Andrea Balbas [7](#andrea-balbas)

Bradley Cheetham [9](#bradley-cheetham)

Jennifer Founds [11](#jennifer-founds)

Brandon Hall [13](#brandon-hall)

Juan Lora [15](#juan-lora)

Andrew McDonald [17](#andrew-mcdonald)

Tony Mercer [19](#tony-mercer)

Kenji Nagaoka [21](#kenji-nagaoka)

Florent Nobelen [23](#florent-nobelen)

Michelle Perez [25](#michelle-perez)

Maxime Rizzo [27](#maxime-rizzo)

Lisha Roubert [29](#lisha-roubert)

Andrew Schaeperkoetter [31](#andrew-schaeperkoetter)

John Springmann [33](#john-springmann)

Michelle Sybouts [35](#michelle-sybouts)

Alan Talbott [37](#alan-talbott)

Jessica Tramaglini [39](#jessica-tramaglini)

Zhen Zhao [41](#zhen-zhao)

Program Coordinators [43](#program-coordinators)

Staff [44](#staff)

Links [46](#__RefHeading___Toc197140083)

# ![](media/image4.png){width="4.85in" height="0.4777777777777778in"}Program Description {#program-description .Profile---Heading-1}

The NASA Academy is an intensive summer leadership program of higher
learning for college undergraduate and graduate students interested in
pursuing professional careers in space-related fields.

Designed to present a comprehensive package of information and
experiences about NASA, the NASA Academy exposes its students (Research
Associates, or RA's) to the agency's most important current and planned
science, engineering, education, and technology enterprises. It also
offers training in non-technical areas such as: management, budgeting,
safety, personnel and career development, leadership, space law and
international cooperation. Besides attending lectures and workshops,
RA's are involved in supervised research in GSFC laboratories and
participate in visits to NASA Headquarters, various NASA Centers and
facilities, the Applied Physics Laboratory, and other space-related
academic laboratories and industries.

# ![](media/image4.png){width="4.85in" height="0.4777777777777778in"}A Brief History of the NASA Academy {#a-brief-history-of-the-nasa-academy .Profile---Heading-1}

![](media/image5.jpeg){width="2.0208333333333335in"
height="1.386111111111111in"}The NASA Academy was founded in 1993 (as
the \"NASA Space Academy\") at the Goddard Space Flight Center by Gerald
(Jerry) Soffen, former Mars Viking project scientist, architect of the
NASA Astrobiology program, and first Director of the Goddard Office of
University Programs. Jerry was an accomplished scientist and dedicated
educator. He took advantage of the unusual opportunities presented to
him during his career and realized the importance of mentoring in the
life of young professionals. In his vision, the Academy was intended to
exceed in purpose and content all other internships by familiarizing its
participants with as many facets of NASA as possible. With his dynamic
personality and unique leadership, he opened many gateways and defined a
new standard of excellence.

As the reputation of the Goddard Academy widened, new NASA Academy
Programs were started at Marshall Space Flight Center (1994), Ames
Research Center (1997), and Dryden Flight Research Center (1997). The
name of the program changed from \"NASA Space Academy\" to \"NASA
Academy\" at specific NASA Centers. A continuous effort is being made to
establish or re-establish Academies at various Centers, with different
profiles and focus areas. In 2008, NASA Academies will take place at
Goddard, Glenn, Ames, and Marshall.

There have been several international participants in the NASA Academy
from England, Canada, Italy, Germany and France.  The 2008 Academy will
host five international students including two French, one Romanian, one
Canadian and one Japanese student.

 Jerry Soffen died on November 22, 2000.  We honor his legacy by
continuing the Academy program he loved so well.  In 2008, the NASA
Academy will celebrate sixteen years of successful activity.  To date,
over 600 participants (or alumni) have graduated from the program of
which many are actively involved with NASA, the space industry and the
Academy.

#  {#section .Profile---Heading-1 .unnumbered}

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Jennifer Allen {#jennifer-allen .Profile---Heading-1}

## Massachusetts Institute of Technology {#massachusetts-institute-of-technology .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Cambridge, MA

Aeronautics and Astronautics

Bachelor of Science, June 2010

Email: <jenallen@mit.edu>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** GOES Weather Satellite System Data Analysis

**Principal Investigator:** Kenneth Yienger, Code 599

## Work Experience {#work-experience .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Intern in MIT's Aerospace Controls Laboratory

-   Participant in the NASA Ames Research Center Robotics Academy

-   Intern in MIT's BioInstrumentation Laboratory

-   Grader for Physics I

-   Tutor and Science Teacher for the Breakthrough Collaborative

-   Intern in the University of Texas at Austin's Center for Space
    Research Center

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities .Profile---Heading-2}

-   MIT Varsity Women's Fencing -- Sabre, 2006-present

-   Dormitory Student Government Representative, New House-Desmond
    Social Chair, 2007-present

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, Matlab, Eclipse, SolidWorks,
    ExpressPCB; Languages: Java, C++, C, Python

-   Language Skills: Conversational Mandarin Chinese (reading, writing,
    speaking) and English

-   RC Aircraft Piloting

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests .Profile---Heading-2}

Writing, Reading, Fencing, Knitting, Watching the Stargate Series,
Running, Standing in the Rain, Spending time with friends, Exploring the
Outdoors through hiking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing, caving

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement .Profile---Heading-2}

"From the moment I first saw the images from the Hubble Telescope as a
small child, I fell in love with space. Now a little older and perhaps a
little wiser, I dream of a career spent on the frontlines of space
exploration, particularly in the development of autonomous space
vehicles. I am a rising junior in the Aeronautics and Astronautics
department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, intending to
major in Aeronautics and Astronautics with Information Technology and to
minor in Chinese Language. I love opportunities to apply my studies in a
practical setting, and see this summer as a perfect opportunity to
expand my practical skills. I am honored to have again received the
opportunity to intern at a NASA facility and pursue my dreams of space
exploration."

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Andrea Balbas {#andrea-balbas .Profile---Heading-1}

## Queens College CUNY {#queens-college-cuny .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Queens, NY

Geology

Bachelor of Science, December 2009

Email: <andrea_balbas@yahoo.com>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-1 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** Digital Beamforming Synthetic Aperture Radar Imager
and Altimeter

**Principal Investigator:** Rafael Rincon, Code 555

## Research Experience {#research-experience .Profile---Heading-2}

Conducting research: Holocene Climate and Anthropogenic Changes in Long
Island Sound, NY

-   Document estuarine sediment contamination in western Long Island
    Sound and develop a chronology to evaluate its impact

-   Use physical property comparisons such as bulk density and magnetic
    susceptibility to understand sedimentation trends

**Program sponsored by NSF-OEDG**

**Measured:** short-lived radioisotopes, C-14, and heavy metal
concentrations

**Goal:** To present results at a national meeting and publish in
"Journal of Coastal Research"

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-1 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Student Member American Institute of Professional Geologist (2006 to
    present)

-   Student Member SACNAS (2007)

-   MSPHD (Dec. 2007 to Present)

-   Student member AGU (Dec. to Present)

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-1 .Profile---Heading-2}

Microsoft Office Suite and Optical Mineralogy

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Dean's List: 4 semesters

-   Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award: Fall 2006- Spring 2007

-   Queens College Writing Award: Spring 2006

-   Ruth Rudovsky Award: Tuition Assistance Spring 2007 -- Fall 2008

-   MSPHD Cohort - 2007 to present

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-1 .Profile---Heading-2}

Hiking, fossil hunting, field geology, researching possible lithospheric
anomalies caused by forces outside our planet

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-1 .Profile---Heading-2}

I am inspired to reveal more of our universe's history via tests and
measurements of our lithosphere. I believe with a lifetime of work, good
partners, and continued motivation I can define time periods of
increased radiation in our earth's past. I plan to test sediments, as
well as metamorphic and igneous rocks. Additionally, I intend to couple
my data collection against paleomagnetic records and extinction events.
I am inspired by the difficulty of this project and the story it may
tell us about the birth and death of numerous stars that may have shaped
our biosphere.

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Bradley Cheetham {#bradley-cheetham .Profile---Heading-1}

## University at Buffalo {#university-at-buffalo .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Buffalo, New York

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor of Science, June 2009

Email: <brad.cheetham@gmail.com>

Website:
[www.eng.buffalo.edu/\~cheetham](http://www.eng.buffalo.edu/~cheetham)

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-2 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** Lunar Mission Design Using WSB

**Principal Investigator:** David Folta, Code 595

## Work Experience {#work-experience-1 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Lunar Excavator Design and Analysis. Independent research ('07-'08)

-   Laminar Flame Speed Investigation. Independent research (Sp. '07)

-   Community Assistant. University Apartments (Sp. '07 -- present)

-   Tour Guide and Prospective Student Host. University Honors College
    (Sp. '06 -- present)

-   Student Teaching Assistant. Engineering and Applied Science Lab
    (Fall '06)

-   Collegiate Tennis Official. (Sp. '04 -- present)

-   Hotel Front Desk. Country Inn & Suites, Cortland NY (Fall
    '03-Sp.'05)

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-2 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   UB Students for the Exploration and Development of Space. President
    & co-founder (Sp. '07 -- present)

-   Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society NY Nu chapter. Vice President
    of Internal Affairs (Sp. '08 -- present)

-   Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honor Society. (Sp. '07-present)

-   Space Exploration Alliance. Director of Student Relations

-   American Astronautical Society. Member

-   American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Member

-   American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Member

-   National Space Society (NSS). Member/volunteer

-   United States Tennis Association, Eastern Tennis Umpires Association

-   www.explorerfish.com exploration news website. Creator and executive
    editor

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-2 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Wildfire Pro-E 2.0,
    SolidWorks, Maple, Matlab, Joomla

-   Language Skills: Coursework in Spanish. Exposure to Spanish, French,
    German, and Greek language and culture.

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-1 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   University Honors College. Honors Scholar (Fall '05 -- present)

-   2008 Barry M. Goldwater Scholar.

-   University Excellence in Research Award for Exemplary Work in
    Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (Sp. '08)

-   Provost's Acknowledgement of Outstanding Academic Achievements and
    Intellectual Ambition. (Sp. '08)

-   Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Acts (CURCA) Research
    Award (Sp. '08)

-   Dean\'s List. All semesters

-   NASA Space Grant Fellowship ('07-'08)

-   Zimmer Undergraduate Research Award (Sp. '07)

-   SEDS-USA Local Executive Board Member of the Year ('07)

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-2 .Profile---Heading-2}

Everything space is a hobby or interest. I love most kinds of music and
listen to it all the time. I enjoy tennis, soccer, golf, downhill
skiing, water skiing, and tubing. The little free time I have I spend
hanging out with my friends and having a good time. I try to take life
lightly and I'm quick to crack a joke in most situations.

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-2 .Profile---Heading-2}

I'm a very motivated and busy person. I'm optimistic about the future
and believe that humans must scientifically explore and responsibly
develop space. In my opinion our future depends on it. For this reason I
plan to devote my career to doing what most people think is impossible.
I hope that I can forever dream big, ask for help when needed, and never
give up. Last year, working with an extremely motivated NASA Academy
Alum I founded a chapter of Students for the Exploration and Development
of Space (SEDS) at the University at Buffalo. Since then I have been
involved with Yuri's Night, the world's party for space, as well as the
Space Exploration Alliance, and I cannot wait to contribute to NASA
Academy this summer. I plan to pursue graduate studies in a space
related field and contribute to the advancement of space exploration and
its inevitable commercial development.

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Jennifer Founds {#jennifer-founds .Profile---Heading-1}

## University of Idaho {#university-of-idaho .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Moscow, Idaho

Electrical Engineering

Master of Science, December 2008

Bachelor of Science cum laude, May 2007

Email: <jfounds@vandals.uidaho.edu>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-3 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** JWST: Controller Design for a

Magnetically Suspended Chopper Wheel

**Principal Investigator:** Kenneth Lee and Scott Schwinger, Code 544

## Research and Work Experience {#research-and-work-experience .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Research Assistant - Microelectronics Research and Communications
    Institute - Design and supervise undergraduate team designing
    integrated power electronic circuits (Fall 2005 -- present)

-   Space Grant Engineering Intern - NASA Jet Propulsion Lab -- Design
    integrated electronics for mass spectrometer (Summer 2007)

-   Senior Design Team Lead -- University of Idaho NASA RLEP -- Design
    and build proof-of-concept robot for non-prehensile manipulation
    (Fall 2006-Spring 2007)

-   Product Engineering Intern - Micron Technology Inc. -- Test and
    analyze defective CMOS image sensors to create validate solutions
    for customer problems (Summer 2006)

-   Engineering Intern - Applied Technology Associates -- Create
    simulation environment to collect gyroscope data (Summer 2005)

-   Poster : Founds, J., H. Hess, E. Mentze, K. Buck, M. Richardson
    "High-Voltage Series MOSFET Output Driver for Nanometer
    Technologies", International Planetary Probe Workshop 5, Bordeaux,
    France June 2007

-   Paper and oral presentation: Founds, J., H. Hess, E. Mentze, K.
    Buck, M. Richardson, \"High-Voltage Switching Circuit for Nanometer
    Scale CMOS Technologies", 13th NASA Symposium on VLSI, Post Falls,
    ID May 2007 \<http://www.cambr.uidaho.edu/
    symposiums/13TH_NASA_VLSI\_ Proceedings/index.htm\>

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-3 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Electrical and Computer Engineering Senator for Graduate and
    Professional Student Association (GPSA), Fall 2007 -- Present

-   GPSA representative for University of Idaho Graduate Council, Fall
    2007 -- Present

-   Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society (Idaho Alpha Chapter),
    President Spring 2006-Spring 2007, Member Spring 2005 - present

-   IEEE Member

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-3 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Integrated Circuit CAD Tools: Cadence™, Silvaco®, LTSPICE

-   General Engineering Tools: MATLAB®, MathCAD®, LabVIEW®

-   Integrated Circuit Testing Skills: Integrated Circuit Probe
    Stations, Semiconductor Parameter Analyzers

-   ITAR Certified

-   SCUBA Certified ( May 2008)

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-2 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Fred A. & Clare C. Skina Scholarship (Fall 2007-Spring 2008)

-   University of Idaho Alumni Award for Excellence (December 2006)

-   Micron Technology Inc. Scholar Award and Scholarship ( Fall 2005-
    Spring 2007)

-   Dean\'s List, 2003-Present

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-3 .Profile---Heading-2}

Swimming, Soccer, Camping, Fly Fishing and Fly Tying, Woodturning, Scuba
Diving, Snowshoeing, Reading

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-3 .Profile---Heading-2}

With both parents having aerospace degrees, you could say I have
aerospace in my blood. In elementary school, my fifth grade class
created a human habitat for Mars as part of the Air Force Marsville
Program. Since then I've been intrigued by the idea of building human
habitats in space. As I entered college, I chose to study electrical
engineering with the hope that I could use my degree to improve the
quality of life for people by helping develop the next generation of
technologies. The goal of my undergraduate senior design project was to
design and build a robot concept that would precede human lunar
missions. Last summer, I worked with engineers at the Jet Propulsion Lab
to design the electronics to power a mass spectrometer that would
analyze the air in the International Space Station. I am confident my
experiences at the NASA Academy will continue to fuel my enthusiasm for
space exploration and the connections and knowledge gained will serve as
a foundation for a career in space technologies.

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Brandon Hall {#brandon-hall .Profile---Heading-1}

## University of Maryland {#university-of-maryland .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

College Park, MD

Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor of Science, May 2010

Email: <hall@umd.edu>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-4 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** A Dust Mitigation Vehicle

**Principal Investigator:** Eric Cardiff, Code 597

## Work Experience {#work-experience-2 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   GSFC Student Internship Program, Summer 2007

-   Part-time Dust Mitigation Vehicle Research Project at GSFC

-   Clark School Ambassadors Program

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-4 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   AIAA Student Member

-   Member of Sigma Gamma Tau Aerospace Honor Society

-   University of Maryland Microgravity Research Team

-   University of Maryland Gemstone Program,

-   University of Maryland Honors Program

-   SAMPE Composite Wing Competition

-   University of Maryland Aerospace Engineering Honors Program

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-4 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, Matlab, C++, PHP, Solid Edge,
    COMSOL, Linux, Autodesk Inventor

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-3 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Northrop Grumman Engineering Scholar's Award

-   Dean\'s List, four semesters

-   Maryland Distinguished Scholar

-   Joseph Guthrie Memorial Scholarship

-   Thomas and Christine Li Endowed Scholarship

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-4 .Profile---Heading-2}

Keeping up with the latest space news, science fiction, fishing,
boating, discovering delicious foods, and human spaceflight

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-4 .Profile---Heading-2}

\"I feel incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to work at
Goddard Space Flight Center.  I participated in the Student Internship
Program (SIP) during the summer of 2007 and it was an outstanding
experience.  Not only did I learn a lot about the engineering process, I
met a lot of permanent employees and interns who made the experience an
absolute pleasure.  I have had the chance to continue with my research
project since then.  Goddard is a great place to be and I am truly
excited to be returning for the summer.  It is extremely rewarding to be
surrounded by a group of enthusiastic and dedicated people who share
your goals.  I am looking forward to NASA academy and hope that I can
make a significant contribution during the summer.\"

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Juan Lora {#juan-lora .Profile---Heading-1}

## University of Southern California {#university-of-southern-california .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Los Angeles, California

Astronomy

Bachelor of Science, May 2009

Email: <jlora@usc.edu>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-5 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** Technology Development for Cosmic

Microwave Background Polarimetry

**Principal Investigator:** David Chuss, Code 665

## Research and Work Experience {#research-and-work-experience-1 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   USC Helioseismology Group, Undergraduate Researcher

-   USC Helioseismology Group, Undergraduate Research Coordinator and
    Instructor for New Researchers

-   USC School of Cinematic Arts, Violinist in Recording Sessions

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-5 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, 2008-Present

-   USC Symphony, 2006-2007, 2007-2008 seasons

-   USC Society of Physics Students, 2007-Present

-   USC Concert Orchestra, Spring 2006 (Principal Second Violin)

-   Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, 2006-Present

-   Walt Whitman High School Symphony, 2003-2005

    -   Concertmaster, 2004-2005 season

    -   Principal Second violin, 2003-2004 season

-   1^st^ violin section in Maryland All-State Senior Orchestra, 2004

-   NSO Young Associates' Member, 2003-2004

-   Youth Fellowship Quartet, 2002-2003

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-5 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Computer Skills: Unix, Macintosh, Windows Operating Systems; MS
    Word, PowerPoint, Excel; limited Matlab, Mathematica, Adobe
    Photoshop, Illustrator

-   Language Skills: Fully Bilingual English/Spanish

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-4 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   USC College Dean's List, Fall 2005, Spring and Fall 2006, 2007

-   Dean Joan M. Schaefer Scholarship, 2007, 2008

-   Albert Fisher Science Scholarship, 2007

-   Latino Honor Society Gold Scholar Award, 2006

-   Outstanding Academic Excellence by the President's Education Awards
    Program, 2005

-   Scholar in 2004-2005 National Hispanic Recognition Program

-   National Merit Scholar, 2004-2005

-   AP Scholar with Honor Award, 2005

-   National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts Merit Award, 2004,
    2005

-   Scholastic Art Awards Gold Key Winner, 2002

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-5 .Profile---Heading-2}

Astrophysics, planetology, astrobiology, space exploration, playing
violin and piano, painting, music, cinema, soccer and football,
literature and travel.

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-5 .Profile---Heading-2}

"My interest in science began as a child. Although my education through
high school focused primarily on the arts, I was widely exposed to
science, and have now chosen to pursue astronomy (or planetary science)
as a career. I am fascinated by the interdisciplinary nature of the work
involved in studying the universe. Currently, my research at USC
involves solar physics, but I am particularly interested in astrobiology
and comparative planetology. Upon graduation from USC in 2009, I expect
to begin PhD studies in one of these fields with the intention of
becoming a full-time researcher. Meanwhile, I continue to study music
with a minor in violin, during which I have had the opportunity to play
under the baton of John Williams, and alongside renowned soloist Midori.
I hope that my experiences in the arts inspire creativity in my future
scientific endeavors."

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Andrew McDonald {#andrew-mcdonald .Profile---Heading-1}

## University of Florida {#university-of-florida .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Gainesville, Florida

Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Science, May 2009

Email: <andrew.j.mcd@gmail.com>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-6 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** JWST: Redesign and Modification of

> the Micro Shutter Flight Hardware

**Principal Investigator:** Scott Schwinger, Code 544

## Work Experience {#work-experience-3 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   NASA Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program -- Team
    Lead, "***Applications and Limitations of Ionic Polymer-Metal
    Composite Sensors and Actuators in Space", 2008***

-   NASA USRP -- Johnson Space Center -- Mission Operations Directorate
    Intern, Summer 2007

-   University of Florida -- Undergraduate Research Assistant, Micro Air
    Vehicles Laboratory/Experimental Stress Analysis Laboratory,
    2007-2008

-   University of Florida -- C++ Teacher's Assistant/Grader, 2006-2008

-   Rehrig Pacific Company -- Mechanical Engineering Intern, Summer 2006

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-6 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Tau Beta Pi -- Florida Alpha Chapter (2007 -- present)

-   Pi Tau Sigma -- Sigma Omicron Chapter (2007 -- present)

-   American Society of Mechanical Engineers (2007 -- present)

-   University of Florida Student Honors Organization (2005 -- present)

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-6 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Computer Skills -- Microsoft Office, Pro ENGINEER, AutoCAD, Autodesk
    Inventor, C++, MATLAB, LabVIEW

-   Technical Skills -- Lean Manufacturing, 5S System

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-5 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   2008 University of Florida MAE Undergraduate Research

    Symposium -- 1^st^ place

-   College of Engineering Dean\'s List -- all semesters attended

-   University of Florida President's Honor Roll (4.0 semester GPA) -- 3
    of 5 attended semesters

-   University of Florida Anderson Scholar with Distinction

-   Florida Bright Futures Scholarship (2005 -- present)

-   EADS / Airbus NA Scholarship (2008 -- 2009)

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-6 .Profile---Heading-2}

Golf, basketball, baseball, football, reading, wakeboarding, relaxing on
the lake, space, NASA, anything adventurous, traveling, flying, driving,
running, cycling, spending time with my family, eating, skydiving.

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-6 .Profile---Heading-2}

\"My love for NASA and space research began at age 12 when I first heard
the sonic boom of the Space Shuttle upon reentry to the earth's
atmosphere. It was mind-boggling to me that the sound that shook my
house was caused by the fact that humans were traveling faster than the
speed of sound nearly 100 miles above me. The inspiration I felt then is
the same feeling that I received from my full-time coworkers at Johnson
Space Center last summer. The unique passion for space exploration and
research that exists within NASA's employees is precisely what I desire
in my future career. I am excitedly looking forward to learning more
about the numerous career opportunities at NASA this summer, as well as
working with nearly 20 other passionate and driven space lovers like
myself!\"

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Tony Mercer {#tony-mercer .Profile---Heading-1}

## University of California-Berkeley {#university-of-california-berkeley .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Berkeley, California

Mechanical Engineering / Astrophysics

Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Art 2009

Email: <tonyfig@berkeley.edu>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-7 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** Instrumentation Prototyping and

Design for PIPER

**Principal Investigator:** Alan Kogut, Code 665

## Work Experience {#work-experience-4 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Development Engineer for Romny Scientific Corporation

-   Research Assistant at the Space Sciences Laboratory on the TEDI
    (Triplespec Exoplanet Discovery Instrument) project

-   Physics Lab/Teaching Assistant at the Lawrence Hall of Science

-   Lab Technician for Hyclone Laboratories

-   Astronomy 10 Course Grader and Tutor

-   Publication: "Precision Radial Velocities in the Near Infrared with
    TEDI." Submitted to IAU 253: Transiting Planets Symposium for May
    2008/Cool Stars 15 Meeting for July 2008

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-7 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   University of California Alumni Leadership Scholars:2003, 2006-2008

-   University of California Marching Band: 2003, 2006-2008

-   Order of the Golden Bear: 2008

-   Cal LDS Student Association: 2003-2004, 2006-2008 President - 2006,
    Leadership Council -- 2003, 2006, 2007

-   Full-time volunteer missionary in the Tampa, Florida Mission for the

    LDS Church: 2004-2006

-   American Society of Mechanical Engineers: 2003-2004

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-7 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Adept in LabVIEW programming, including CVI, Vision, Real Time
    applications, and especially fluent in device control using DAQ,
    ADC/DAC converters, RS-232, GPIB, and USB communication.

-   Programming skills in Matlab, including Simulink, IDL, and exposure
    to C, developing data analysis software, and control simulations.

-   Developed control software, including a PID controller for a robot,
    and a multi-component system control for TEDI.

-   AutoCad and Solid Works modeling skills, including part diagrams,
    control and harnessing diagrams, and rack diagrams.

-   Proficient at using Windows including Microsoft Office and
    Photoshop, and experienced with Linux.

-   Experience using the 5 meter telescope at the Palomar Observatory,
    the 3 meter telescope at Lick Observatory, and smaller radio dishes

-   Basic shop, animal handling, and clean room training

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-6 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Space Sciences Lab Summer Research Fellowship: 2007

-   University of California Alumni Leadership Scholarship: 2007, 2006

-   George Miller Cal Band Scholarship: 2007, 2006, 2003

-   Pinto/Fialon Portuguese Studies Scholarship: 2008

-   Graduate of the Berkeley LDS Institute of Religion: 2008

-   USA Today All Academic Team Honorable Mention: 2003

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-7 .Profile---Heading-2}

Waterskiing (both slalom and jump), Swing/Salsa Dancing, Photography,
Basketball, Attempting to speak Portuguese, Going to the beach, Fun with
family and friends, Traveling, and peering at stars through a telescope.

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-7 .Profile---Heading-2}

I have always wanted to be an explorer, to navigate uncharted waters and
witness the unknown. In pursuit of my dreams I have been a part of many
amazing organizations, including the TEDI exoplanet search team, the
startup thermoelectric company Romny Scientific, the Cal Band, the LDS
Florida Tampa Mission, and Call's Fort Waterski Club, to name a few. My
passion for life has brought an array of experiences that bring
well-roundedness. I work hard and give all I have to every group I am a
part of.

Since I was a young boy I have wanted to work in space exploration,
studying the Cosmos. In my astronomy lab I've been able to take
measurements on the sun, moon, M31, CasA, the large Magellanic cloud,
and other objects that are so mysterious and far away. Another of my
other great loves is to design and build. It is a very fulfilling
experience to solve a problem by designing a device in my mind and then
making that design a reality. I've worked on designing and building a
chess-playing robot, an exoplanet detecting instrument, Rube-Goldberg
machines, remote controlled robots, and various other gadgets. My goal
is to continue to search the heavens, and hopefully send robots and
people into space, to search the unknown.

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Kenji Nagaoka {#kenji-nagaoka .Profile---Heading-1}

## The Graduate University for Advanced Studies {#the-graduate-university-for-advanced-studies .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Kanagawa, JAPAN

Major: Aerospace Engineering

Doctor of Engineering, March 2011

Email: <nagaoka08@gmail.com>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-8 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** GMAT Software Analysis and

Technical Writing

**Principal Investigator:** Jesse Leitner (Edwin Dove and Steven Hughes)

Code 591

## Academic Experience {#academic-experience .Profile---Heading-2}

-   ***Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Technology, Tokyo, JAPAN***\
    Bachelor of Engineering, March 2006

## Work Experience {#work-experience-5 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Japanese Tutor for foreign students, Fall 2006 -- Spring 2007

-   Teaching Assistant of the JAXA's educational programs for high
    school students, 2006

-   Research Assistant, January 2008 -- present

-   The 9th International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics
    and Automation for Space (i-SAIRAS 2008), CA, US, February 2008

> (Title: *Drilling Mechanism of Autonomous Burrowing Robot for Lunar
> Subsurface Exploration*)

-   Nine national presentations as a first author

    (oral and poster, April 2006 - March 2008)

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-8 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Soccer Club, April 1995 -- March 2001

    (I was a team captain, July 1999 - June 2000)

-   Student member of the following Japanese societies

> (The Robotics Society of Japan, The Japanese Society for
> Terra-mechanics, The Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space
> Sciences)

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-8 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, MATLAB, LaTeX

-   Language Skills: Japanese, English (I'm still learning)

-   Beginner License: Scuba Diving

-   Driver's License: Car, Motorbike (not international license)

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-7 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   My team placed in top 8 of the National Junior-Youth Futsal
    Tournament, JAPAN, 1997

-   Performance Awards from Miyagi Football Association, JAPAN, 2001

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-8 .Profile---Heading-2}

I love music and soccer (but, now I just watch games on TV). Moreover, I
like swimming, scuba diving, reading books and watching movies.

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-8 .Profile---Heading-2}

Space exploration and expansion of human frontier are our important
challenges, and taking a role in these fields is my dream. I feel most
graceful for the good opportunity to work for NASA. So far, I have
studied a development of challenging robotic system for lunar subsurface
exploration in my Ph. D. research at JAXA in Japan. This is very
exciting task for me (but, it is really hard), and I think challenges
are joys of my life. For me, a Japanese student, the NASA Academy is
also a new challenge. Meanwhile, now the international connections or
interactions are regarded as an important factor for future space
development, and I think the global cooperation can lead us to great
success. Based on this viewpoint, the NASA Academy would give me several
good experiences for my future works.

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Florent Nobelen {#florent-nobelen .Profile---Heading-1}

## Institut Supérieur de l\'Aéronautique et de l\'Espace (SUPAERO) {#institut-supérieur-de-laéronautique-et-de-lespace-supaero .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Toulouse, France

Aeronautical and Aerospace engineering

Master of Science, October 2010

Email: <florent.nobelen@isae.fr>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-9 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** JWST: NIRSpec Detector

Development

**Principal Investigator:** Chuck Engler, Code 544

## Research and Work Experience {#research-and-work-experience-2 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Participation in the ESA Student Space Exploration and Technology
    Initiative project (SSETI) -- European Student Moon Orbiter (ESMO):
    design of the Star Tracker of the ESMO satellite, implementation in
    the whole AOCS system (work in a group of four students) --
    2007-2008

-   Camp counselor in summer camps in France and England (more than 20
    weeks in all) -- required team work, leadership, initiative and
    multitask skills, 2004-Present.

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-9 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   President of Supaéro\'s Space Club, launch and animation of all
    space projects:

    -   Student Parabolic Flight Campaign (CNES/ESA)

    -   Student Aerospace Challenge (ACE): designing of an hybrid engine

    -   Participation in a student competition during the Google Lunar
        X-Prize Team Summit (05/20/08).

-   Preparation of an experiment on the inner ear for a parabolic flight
    (CNES, the French Space Agency) scheduled in Oct. 2008:
    collaboration with physicians, industry, media; breakthrough
    opportunity in an unknown innovative scientific domain, 2006-Present

-   Member of the Space Tourism Work Group of the AAAF, 2007-Present

-   President of the Rock-Salsa club, 2007-Present

-   Tutored high school and graduate school students, 2005-2007

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-9 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Computer Skills: MS Office, Matlab, Catia, Latex

-   Programming: C and Java language

-   Language Skills: French (native speaker), English (fluent), Spanish
    (good)

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-8 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   French Scientific Baccalauréat in Math and Physics, Summa cum Laude

-   Won the Safran Prize for the Student Aerospace Challenge, June 2007

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-9 .Profile---Heading-2}

Gliding and Paragliding, Playing the Saxophone, Tennis, Being a camp
counselor, Dancing acrobatic rock, Hiking, Skiing, Reading novels, Going
to the cinema, Star-gazing, Going to space (one day...), Seeing friends

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-9 .Profile---Heading-2}

Since I was a little boy, I have always been attracted by space and its
mysteries. First, I wanted to become an inventor, to imagine new ways to
travel quicker and further. As it is not so simple, I realized I
preferred to leave this job to other people. I would prefer to be the
one who would use the new spacecraft to travel to Mars, which is much
more interesting. For this reason, I worked hard after my French
Baccalauréat to enter my current University, Supaero, the main French
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering School. I\'ve continued to work
hard to come closer to my dream, without neglecting my friends and my
leisure activities: gliding (have you ever watched a mountain from the
sky?), music and sports. Thanks to my friends, I manage to stay
well-balanced and open-minded. And working at NASA is the first step of
achieving a dream.

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Michelle Perez {#michelle-perez .Profile---Heading-1}

## Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) {#virginia-polytechnic-institute-and-state-university-virginia-tech .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Blacksburg, VA

Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor of Science, May 2010

Email: <mkperez@vt.edu>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-10 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** NPP Mission Readiness, Mission Rehearsal Development

**Principal Investigator:** Steven Vaclavik, Code 444

## Work Experience {#work-experience-6 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Intern at the United States Department of Agriculture, in the
    Electric Program in the Power Supply Division, Summer 2007

-Reviewed Construction Work Plans for Power Plants

-Assisted in the Engineering review of Loans for Rural Electric
Cooperatives

-   Member of the Design, Build, Fly Team at Virginia Tech

-Member of the Wing Team, Fall 2007 to Spring 2008

-Member of the Fuselage Team, Fall 2006 to Spring 2007

-Assisted in the design and construction of an unmanned, electric
powered, radio controlled aircraft

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-10 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Virginia Tech's College of Engineering Dean's Team, Spring 2008-
    Present

-   National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Spring 2007- Present

-   Co-Founder of a Rocketry Outreach Program to Local Middle and High
    School Students in the Blacksburg area

-   American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fall 2006-
    Present

-   Society of Women Engineers, Fall 2006- Present

-   Mentee of the Women in Engineering Support Team, Fall 2006

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-10 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Computer Skills: PC, Microsoft Office, working knowledge of Matlab,
    Adobe Photoshop

-   Language Skills: Spanish (Intermediate)

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-9 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Spring 2008- Present

-   Recipient of the Davenport Leadership Scholarship, Spring 2007

-   Dean\'s List with Honors, 3 semesters

-   University Honors Student at Virginia Tech, Fall 2006- Present

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-10 .Profile---Heading-2}

My hobbies include reading novels, exercising, watching movies with
friends, hiking, shopping and scrap booking. I am fascinated by space,
history and science. My main interest though is in the development and
advancement of manned space exploration.

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-10 .Profile---Heading-2}

\"I was born in Northern Virginia, and I have lived in the suburbs of
Washington D.C. my whole life. I first became interested in space as a
kid after visiting the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and seeing the
displays on the Gemini and Apollo Programs. I continued to be interested
in space throughout school and I found my true passion in Aerospace
Engineering after completing a summer program in High School called the
Virginia's Governor School for Math Science and Technology. At this
program I took an astronomy and engineering based class in which my
peers and I tackled the challenges of space exploration when we were
given the task of creating a manned a mission to Mars. Ever since that
summer I have been fascinated by the challenges of manned space
exploration and the rewards that could come from the knowledge that we
could gain from manned exploration. My goal is to be on the team of
engineers that helps solve this newest set of challenges that NASA
faces, and helps further space exploration, by sending man back to the
Moon and onto Mars. I hope that NASA Academy will serve as a starting
point for this goal. Working for NASA has been a dream of mine, and I am
very excited and honored to be a part of NASA Academy this summer.\"

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Maxime Rizzo {#maxime-rizzo .Profile---Heading-1}

## Institut Supérieur de l\'Aéronautique et de l\'Espace (SUPAERO) {#institut-supérieur-de-laéronautique-et-de-lespace-supaero-1 .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Toulouse, FRANCE

Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

Master of Science, October 2010

Email: [maxime.rizzo@gmail.com](mailto:myemail@somewhere.com)

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-11 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** Visible Nulling Coronagraph Testing and Calibration
for ExoPlanet Detections

**Principal Investigator:** Rick Lyon, Code 667

## Research and Work Experience {#research-and-work-experience-3 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Research Project related with CNES (French Space Agency) :
    definition and optimization of a constellation of satellites for the
    detection of ionospheric earthquake precursors over key regions ;
    design of a complete mission proposal (work in a group of four
    students) -- Toulouse, France, 2007-2008

-   Guide in the famous French space museum, the "Cité de l\'Espace" ;
    guided tours in English and French -- Toulouse, 2007-2008

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-11 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   President of the regional Youth Committee of the AAAF (the French
    Aerospace Professional Association) ; leading a large group of
    students to share our passion for aeronautics and space

-   Member of the Space Tourism Work Group of the AAAF

-   Member of the SUPAERO Association for Space "Club Espace"

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-   Water rockets (building and launching) activities with a class of
    9-year old children -- Spring 2008

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```
-   Coordinator of Communication in the Air Expo association, a big
    French free Air Show (35000 visitors) -- 2006-2007

-   President of SUPAERO Association for Culture and Arts -- 2006-2007

-   Member of the Writing Workshop "Le Bistrot Littéraire"

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-11 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, Linux, Matlab, Adobe Dreamweaver,
    Adobe Photoshop

-   Programming : C, JAVA

-   Language Skills: English (fluent), German (average), Chinese
    (beginner)

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-10 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   French Scientific Baccalauréat in Maths and Physics, with
    distinction

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-11 .Profile---Heading-2}

wandering in cities; theatre; improvisation shows; literature; music;
writing; looking at things or people; sailing; tennis; seeing rocket
launches; astrophysics

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-11 .Profile---Heading-2}

My parents have a house in the countryside, near Strasbourg, with a
perfect clear sky with shiny stars. Maybe that was enough to give me the
passion for space, very early in my life. Of course, as I first dreamt
of becoming an astronaut, I did not imagine I would go and work for NASA
one day. It was too far for me, little French boy, even if I was
extremely ambitious. But I never let the dream go away. At the end of my
undergraduate studies, I had the necessary theoretical background to
enter any French Engineering School. I chose the French Graduate School
of Aeronautics and Space (SUPAERO engineering studies), where I spent
the most intense moments of my academic experience. I was learning what
I liked, and got involved in several associative projects, where I met
several great friends and colleagues and where I have learnt so much
about "human relations". I managed to stay close to Culture and Arts,
from which I have always learnt a lot about life and philosophical
questions, and which are necessary for my brain to keep being inventive.
In second year of my engineering studies at SUPAERO, I entered the tiny
space community in France. I have tried to get involved in several
serious space projects. I have never been closer to my passion, and the
more I learn the more I think I will dedicate my whole life to it. In
December 2007, I took my chance applying for NASA Academy, and now I am
here. I want to do my best in order to deserve the great opportunity
that is offered to me, and use my energy to make this summer at the
Academy the most exciting of my life.

# 

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Lisha Roubert {#lisha-roubert .Profile---Heading-1}

## University of Puerto Rico, Cayey {#university-of-puerto-rico-cayey .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Cayey, Puerto Rico

Major: Mathematics

Bachelor of Science, June 2009

Email: <roubert08@hotmail.com>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-12 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** Modification of the Graphical User

Interface (GUI) for the EDOS

webpage

**Principal Investigator:** Rose Wood, Code 444

## Work Experience {#work-experience-7 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   NASA GSFC Summer Institute on Atmospheric, Biospheric and
    Hydrospheric Sciences 2007, Code 614.6 Instrumentation Sciences
    Branch, Research Assistant

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-12 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Circle of Mathematics Student Organization, Sub-secretary 2007-2008

-   Student member of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), Present 2008

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-12 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Computer Skills: Windows, Linux, Excel, Power Point, MATLAB Python,
    SciTE Source Code Editor (to some extent)

-   Mathematical Skills: Calculus I through III, Ordinary Differential
    Equations, Elementary Statistics, College Geometry, Modern Algebra,
    Programming

-   Language Skills: Fluent in Spanish and English

-   Lab skills in Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry and Physics

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-11 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Dean's list, 2008

-   Graduated 2^nd^ (Salutatorian) from S.A.D.L. High School Class, May
    2005

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-12 .Profile---Heading-2}

My academic areas of interest involve diverse areas such as astronomy,
cryospheric sciences, mathematics, meteorology, oceanography and
physics. In regards to extracurricular activities I enjoy tennis,
photography and reading crime fiction novels.

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-12 .Profile---Heading-2}

"Space science has always been of particular interest to me even though
I have barely had the opportunity to explore the depth of the
achievements accomplished in this area. Thankfully, I have been granted
the privilege to participate in NASA Academy, an experience that will
give me the opportunity to learn about the Space Industry and expand my
knowledge in different directions which is my main goal for the future.
I draw my inspiration from the brilliant minds of the past, their
knowledge and discoveries transcended their area of expertise which has
opened the way for humankind to accomplish the unthinkable. I have
decided to begin with a mathematics career due to the fact that it is
the base of all other areas related to science. This dependent
relationship upon mathematics leads me to believe that the world
possesses certain symmetry and in order to maintain it in this state of
equilibrium a profound knowledge of numbers is required. This is my own
philosophy and the main reason why I consider that studying mathematics
will help me become a better meteorologist which is the career I wish to
pursue. However, despite my aspirations of becoming a meteorologist I
have always been fascinated by space science so I definitely look
forward to this unique internship opportunity. I may feel a little
unprepared because of my limited experience in the aerospace area but, I
always look forward to taking on challenges since these are the
experiences that one most gains from. Now that I have been given this
opportunity I will not take it for granted and will work very hard. I
look forward to the day when I can look back upon this and remember the
valuable lessons learned while working for the most prestigious Space
Industry that stands out for its innovation, NASA."

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Andrew Schaeperkoetter {#andrew-schaeperkoetter .Profile---Heading-1}

## University of Kansas {#university-of-kansas .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Lawrence, Kansas

Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor of Science, May 2009

Email: <thrawn77@ku.edu>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-13 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** GMAT Software Analysis and

Technical Writing

**Principal Investigator:** Jesse Leitner (Edwin Dove and Steven Hughes)

Code 591

## Work Experience {#work-experience-8 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Undergraduate Researcher working on building, assembling, testing,
    and calibrating calorimeter for CERN (particle accelerator)

-   Undergraduate Researcher to create a model of the atmosphere and how
    variable densities affect satellite orbits

-   Supervisor and Railroad Conductor at Saint Louis Zoo

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-13 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Tau Beta Pi, Spring 2007-Present

-   Sigma Gamma Tau, Spring 2007-Present

-   American Astronautical Society (AAS), Fall 2005-Spring 2007

-   St. Lawrence Catholic Campus, Fall 2005- Present

-   Honors Program, Fall 2005- Present

-   KU Students For Life, Spring 2006-Present

-   Sacred Heart Parish Catechist for 8^th^ grade boys, Fall
    2007-Present

-   Men's Glee Chorus, Fall 2005-Spring 2007

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-13 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, Visual Basic for Applications,
    UNIX, Unigraphics, Nastran, Concepts, Linex, Matlab

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-12 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Eagle Scout, Fall 2001

-   National Merit Finalist, Spring 2005

-   University Scholar, Honor given to top 20 sophomores of KU, Fall
    2006

-   Undergraduate Research Award, Fall 2007

-   Undergraduate Research Award, Spring 2008

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-13 .Profile---Heading-2}

Star-gazing, Swimming, Reading, Playing board games, Playing video
games, Singing, Seeing plays and musicals, Praying, Playing sports for
fun especially soccer, Vacationing to parks and museums, Painting
ceramics, Roller Coasters

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-13 .Profile---Heading-2}

\"When I was very young, my family went on vacation to Florida. We
watched the space shuttle Discovery launch on that trip, and though we
were told by the locals that it was one of the worst launches they'd
seen due to the clouds, the exploration of space has held my complete
fascination ever since. My hope is to become an astronaut, a dream I've
had since watching that shuttle launch. Since childhood, I've had a
constant drive to understand the unknown in all its forms, a
characteristic that manifests itself in my frequent questioning and
curiosity.\"

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}John Springmann {#john-springmann .Profile---Heading-1}

## University of Wisconsin, Madison {#university-of-wisconsin-madison .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Madison, WI

Engineering Mechanics and Astronautics

Bachelor of Science, May 2009

Email: [john.springmann@gmail.com](mailto:john.springmann@gmail.com )

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-14 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** JWST:  Characterization and

> Development of an IR camera and
>
> Detector for Microshutters Contrast Evaluation

**Principal Investigator:** John Chambers, Code 551

## Research and Work Experience {#research-and-work-experience-4 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Univ. of Wisconsin Solid Mechanics Lab, 2007-present, characterizing
    the force response of hydrogels for use in microfluidic devices

-   NASA Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program, 2008,
    investigating the effectiveness of linear spray cooling in
    microgravity

-   NASA Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program, 2007,
    investigating fluid flow due to capillary action in microgravity

-   Univ. of Wisconsin Solid Mechanics lab, 2006-2007, assisted in
    research on the mechanical properties of shape memory alloys (SMAs)
    and SMA-polymer composites

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-14 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (UW Chapter
    treasurer, 2007-2008)

-   UW ZeroG Team (Team Leader , 2007-2008)

-   Study Abroad Program, Toulouse, France, summer 2006

-   University Symphony Orchestra, 2005-2006

-   Intramural Tennis and Ultimate Frisbee

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-14 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Software: Ansys, Abaqus, Matlab, MathCAD, AutoCAD

-   Programming: Java, Visual Basic, HTML

-   Machining: Basic knowledge of mill, lathe, CNC code

-   Languages: Proficient in French

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-13 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Recipient, Rod and Diana Lakes Scholarship in Engineering Mechanics

-   Recipient, Hilldale Undergraduate Research Fellowship

-   Recipient, Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship

-   Member, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society

-   Honors in Undergraduate Research Program

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-14 .Profile---Heading-2}

## Camping and other outdoor activities, traveling, playing violin, classical music, Badger football, hang gliding, human space flight {#camping-and-other-outdoor-activities-traveling-playing-violin-classical-music-badger-football-hang-gliding-human-space-flight .Profile---Heading-2}

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-14 .Profile---Heading-2}

## I enjoy getting involved in many things outside of class including various research projects, student organizations, and other activities. One of the reasons I am interested in aerospace and spaceflight is that I enjoy being challenged. As President Kennedy said, "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard..." I am very excited to have the opportunity to contribute to NASA's work.  {#i-enjoy-getting-involved-in-many-things-outside-of-class-including-various-research-projects-student-organizations-and-other-activities.-one-of-the-reasons-i-am-interested-in-aerospace-and-spaceflight-is-that-i-enjoy-being-challenged.-as-president-kennedy-said-we-choose-to-go-to-the-moon-in-this-decade-and-do-the-other-things-not-because-they-are-easy-but-because-they-are-hard-i-am-very-excited-to-have-the-opportunity-to-contribute-to-nasas-work. .Profile---Heading-2}

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Michelle Sybouts {#michelle-sybouts .Profile---Heading-1}

## University of Washington {#university-of-washington .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Seattle, Washington

Atmospheric Sciences

Bachelor of Science, June 2010

Email: <syboum@u.washington.edu>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-15 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** Mars Analog Chemical Analysis in

> Preparation for the 2009 Mars Science
>
> Laboratory Investigations

**Principal Investigator:** Paul Mahaffy, Code 699

## Work Experience {#work-experience-9 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   ZaP Flow Z-Pinch Experiment University of Washington (June 2006 -
    Current)

-   NASA Space Grant Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) (June-
    August 2006)

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-15 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS)

(October 2006\--current)

-   Engineers Without Borders \-- University of Washington Chapter
    (October 2007\--current)

-   Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) panel member (May 2007)

-   American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) \-- 3rd
    place at the student conference in San Jose University for technical
    paper and presentation on my work in ZaP Lab (April 2007)

-   Washington NASA Space Grant Reception and Poster Session

(October 2006)

-   Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium (May 2007)

-   Classically trained flutist

-   Community service \-- over 550 hours to date

-   Stage Crew for the premier of University of Washington\'s

"Fair Play"

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-15 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Machine Shop Safety Qualified

-   SolidWorks

-   Basic JAVA programming

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-14 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   NASA Space Grant Scholar

-   Washington Scholar

-   Dovie-Samuelson Scholar

-   Honors College student at University of Washington

-   Early entry to College of Engineering at the University of
    Washington (admitted immediately after high school)

-   YWCA Outstanding Young Woman of Achievement Award 2005

-   United Way Volunteer Family of the Year 2006 \-- for outstanding
    community service contributions

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-15 .Profile---Heading-2}

Playing my flute, playing soccer with friends, acting, drawing, writing,
travel, and as much community service as possible

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-15 .Profile---Heading-2}

"There are no footsteps on mars\... yet.

With my ultimate goal being to become an astronaut, my passion is to
positively affect humanity and our world through scientific advances,
specifically through space exploration and its applications here on
earth.

Now in my second year at University of Washington, I am completing
research in a plasma physics lab, as well actively supporting groups
such as Engineers Without Borders and Students for the Exploration and
Development of Space. Just as the great scientists before me pushed the
envelope of development, I wish to move beyond what is known. The
progression of the human race stems from our innate desire to explore.
My passion is to boldly venture beyond the known, the accepted, and the
limits of the human race and see what can be done!"

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Alan Talbott {#alan-talbott .Profile---Heading-1}

## West Virginia University {#west-virginia-university .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

Morgantown, WV

Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical

Engineering

Bachelor of Science, December 2009

Email: <talbat18@gmail.com>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-16 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** GOES N-P Weather Satellite System

> Data Analyses

**Principal Investigator:** Kenneth Yienger, Code 599

## Work Experience {#work-experience-10 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   NASA, Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program,
    "Investigation of Viscous and Capillary Fingering Through A
    Hele-Shaw Cell In Microgravity," 2008

-   NASA, Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program,
    "Investigation of Circular Hydraulic Jump Behavior In Microgravity,"
    2007

-   Residential Education West Virginia University, Resident assistant
    in the engineering dormitory, 2006-Present

-   Cambrex Bio Science Inc., Mechanical engineering intern, 2006

-   Lonza Inc., Project engineering intern, 2007

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-16 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honorary, 2007-Present

-   Sigma Gamma Tau Aerospace Honorary, 2006-Present

-   Mortar Board Senior Honorary, 2008-Present

-   WVU Microgravity Research Team, 2006-Present

-   WVU Honors College, 2005-Present

-   Engineering study group tutor, 2006-Present

-   National Space Society 2007-Present

-   Resident Assistant Council, 2007-Present

-   Mountaineer Maniacs, 2005-Present

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-16 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, MATLAB, HTML, C++, Pro\|Engineer,
    AutoCAD, Fluent FlowLab

-   United States Soccer Federation, Grade 8 Referee, 2003-2006

-   National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Regional Coaching
    Certification, 2001-Present

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-15 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   WVU Presidential Scholarship, 2005-Present

-   Lloyd B. Selby Scholarship, WVU College of Engineering, 2006-2007

-   Edwin Bjornson Scholarship, WVU College of Engineering, 2006-2007

-   California Grocers Association Scholarship, 2006-2008

-   Illuminators Scholarship, 2005

-   Maryland Senatorial Scholarship, 2005-Present

-   Long and Foster Scholarship, 2005-2006

-   President's List, 4 Semesters

-   Dean\'s List, 1 Semester

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-16 .Profile---Heading-2}

Soccer, snowboarding, rock climbing, intramural dodgeball, reading
Wikipedia, playing Wii, listening to music

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-16 .Profile---Heading-2}

At the age of 8, a family friend bought me my first model rocket kit.
After building and launching my first rocket, I was hooked. As my love
for aeronautics grew, I knew I was going to become an engineer. I have
been fortunate to have so many great opportunities through NASA and WVU.
For the past two years I have been a member of the Microgravity Research
Team at WVU and have successfully proposed, designed and built two
separate experiments that were flown on NASA's C-9 Weightless Wonder at
Johnson Space Center. I am grateful to now be a part of the 2008 NASA
Academy at GSFC. I hope to someday find a career in the aerospace
industry and truly make a difference in the field.

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Jessica Tramaglini {#jessica-tramaglini .Profile---Heading-1}

## Penn State University {#penn-state-university .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

University Park, PA

Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor of Science, May 2009

Email: <jrfd09@gmail.com>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-17 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** GPM Spacecraft Preliminary Design

**Principal Investigator:** James Parker, Code 543

## Work Experience {#work-experience-11 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   NASA Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars (LARSS) intern 2007

    -   NASA Technical Papers (NASA-TP) or NASA Educational

        Reports (NASA-ER):

        -   Jessica K. Tramaglini, Francis F. Badavi,"Low Earth Orbit
            Radiation Environments and Shield Model Validation for ISS",
            NASA Langley Research Center, LARSS Program, August 2007.

    -   Conference Papers:

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Francis F. Badavi**,** Jessica K. Tramaglini, John E. Nealy, John W.
    Wilson**,**"Low Earth Orbit Radiation Environments and Shield Model
    Validation for ISS", AIAA Space 07, AIAA 2007-6046, Long Beach,
    California, September 18-20, 2007, available through
    [http://www.aiaa.org /]().

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   NASA Spaceflight and Lunar Sciences and Technology Program (SLSTP)
    intern 2006

-   Team lead, NASA Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program
    2008 Penn State team

-   Outreach coordinator, NASA Reduced Gravity Student Flight
    Opportunities Program 2007 Penn State team

-   Thermal/mechanical team member, Penn State High Altitude Student
    Platform (HASP) team

## Memberships and Activities  {#memberships-and-activities-17 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   President of the AIAA Penn State branch 2007-2009

-   Secretary of the AIAA Penn State branch 2006-2007

-   Penn State Engineering Leadership Development Unlimited chair of
    Imagin8 leadership conference 2007

-   Society of Women Engineers Penn State section homecoming chair 2007

-   Penn State Women in Engineering Program Orientation leadership team
    2006-2008

-   Penn State College of Engineering coop/internship envoy

-   Penn State Engineering Mentorship Program mentor 2006-2008

-   Penn State LeaderShape® 2008

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-17 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, Frontpage, CATIA, ANSYS, ABAQUS,
    Visual Basic, C++, MATLAB, Alibre, SigmaPlot, Fireworks, Dreamweaver

-   Language Skills: Spanish

-   Penn State College of Engineering Space Systems Certificate

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-16 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Schreyer Honors College

-   Sigma Gamma Tau Aerospace Engineering Honors Society

-   Penn State Women in Engineering Joelle Leadership Award 2008
    Honorable Mention

-   Penn State SWE most active upperclassman 2007

-   Penn State SWE most active underclassman 2006

-   President's Freshman Award 2006

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-17 .Profile---Heading-2}

Star-gazing, music, movies, dancing, shopping, reading

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-17 .Profile---Heading-2}

I attended Space Camp when I was twelve years-old, and that changed
everything. Since then it has been my goal to work in Mission Control at
Johnson Space Center. My passion for space exploration has only grown
through my experiences working at Kennedy Space Center and Langley
Research Center. I have also been fortunate to participate in the
Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program at Johnson Space
Center. These experiences have really broadened my horizons and have
taught me many skills that I hope to someday apply to further space
exploration. I try to live life to the fullest, and wherever it may take
me, I'll be content as long as I can contribute to human spaceflight.

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"}Zhen Zhao {#zhen-zhao .Profile---Heading-1}

## University of Maryland {#university-of-maryland-1 .Style-Profile---Heading-2-+-Top:-(No-border)}

College Park, MD (Fall 2008)

Bachelor of Science, June 2010

**United States Naval Academy**

Annapolis, MD (2006-2007)

Aerospace Engineering

Email: <zhen.zhao6@gmail.com>

## NASA Academy Research Project:  {#nasa-academy-research-project-18 .Profile---Heading-2}

**Project Title:** GOES N-P Weather Satellite System

Data Analyses

**Principal Investigator:** Kenneth Yienger, Code 599

## Work Experience {#work-experience-12 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Enlistment in the United States Marine Corps (2002-2006, Sergeant)

-   Air Traffic Control Radar Watch Supervisor and Tower Controller,
    Marine Corps Air Station New River (2003-2006)

## Memberships and Activities {#memberships-and-activities-18 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Member, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (2008)

-   Member, Society of American Military Engineers (2008)

-   Member, National Society of Collegiate Scholar (2006-Present)

-   Member, Midshipmen Action Group (Fall 2006)

-   Volunteer, Harvard Square Homeless Shelter (Spring Break 2006)

-   Volunteer, Special Olympics (Fall 2005)

## Skills and Certifications {#skills-and-certifications-18 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Computer Skills: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and MATLAB

## Honors and Awards {#honors-and-awards-17 .Profile---Heading-2}

-   Noncommissioned Officer of the Year 2005, United States Marine Corps

-   Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter 2005, United States Marine
    Corps

-   Meritorious promotions Private through Sergeant, United States
    Marine Corps (2003-2006)

-   Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2005)

-   Superintendent's List, United States Naval Academy (Spring 2007)

-   Dean's List, United Sates Naval Academy (Fall 2007)

-   Commandant's List, United States Naval Academy (Spring 2008)

-   Nominated Midshipman of the Semester, United States Naval Academy
    (Spring 2007)

## Hobbies and Interests {#hobbies-and-interests-18 .Profile---Heading-2}

Reading, working out, swimming, handball, rock climbing, piano and
guitar, drawing, the universe in general, New Yorker cartoons

## Personal Statement {#personal-statement-18 .Profile---Heading-2}

Space has always interested me ever since I took my first airplane ride
at the age of six. Since then, I imagined myself one day traveling to
some distant star and living there; childhood fantasies can be a bit
ridiculous sometimes but also a source of great inspiration. I was born
in Beijing, China, and grew up in Shanghai. When I was six, my family
moved to Queens, NY, where I spent my teenage years. I spent my teenage
years growing up in the city and attended Stuyvesant High School.
Witnessing the tragedy of September 11^th^ firsthand, I decided it was
time to put aside my dream and decided to take my place in those famous
yellow footprints at Parris Island on September 10, 2002. The four years
that I spent in the Marine Corps gave me a sense of responsibility,
discipline, and maturity that I will never take for granted. Soon
afterwards, I applied to the United States Naval Academy where I was
accepted into the Class of 2010. Figuring that I was in one of the best
engineering schools in the nation, I decided to major in aerospace
engineering and pick up where I left off four years ago. I look forward
to spending this summer with the 2008 NASA Academy and meeting people
who are just as passionate about space research as I am. This will be my
first experience in the aerospace community and I am grateful to the
Academy for granting me this opportunity.

# ![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in" height="0.5006944444444444in"} Program Coordinators {#program-coordinators .Profile---Heading-1}

## Sherrica Newsome {#sherrica-newsome .Profile---Heading-2}

**Operations Manager:**

NASA GSFC Academy 2007 Alumna

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA

Technology and Policy

Masters of Science, June 2010

Email: <snewsome@mit.edu>

Sherrica graduated from Virginia Tech in December of 2007 with a
Bachelors of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a minor in
Mathematics. She will pursue a Masters of Science in Technology and
Policy beginning the fall of 2008 at Massachusetts Institute of
Technology. This degree will prepare her to take on leadership roles
that confront important technological issues within society. Sherrica is
interested in policy ethics and international affairs. Apart from her
academics, Sherrica loves music, singing, laughing, reading, and
spending time with family and friends.

## ![](media/image26.jpeg){width="1.21875in" height="1.625in"}Tim Montague {#tim-montague .Profile---Heading-2}

**Logistics Manager:**

NASA GSFC Robotics Academy 2005 Alum

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT

Computer Engineering

Bachelors of Science, May 2009

Email: <Tim.Montague@gmail.com>

Tim's focus is robotics. He has been a member of both the Robotics
Academy and the Student Internship Program at Goddard as a part of teams
building robots. In the summer of 2007, Tim worked on human-robot
interfaces at AnthroTronix in Silver Spring, MD. In his spare time, he
enjoys programming microcontrollers, hiking, rock climbing and
snowboarding.

# ![](media/image4.png){width="4.85in" height="0.4777777777777778in"}Staff {#staff .Profile---Heading-1}

The NASA Goddard Academy is administered and operated within the GSFC
Office of Higher Education.

[Chief, Office of Higher Education]{.underline}- *Dr. Vigdor L. Teplitz*

Dr. Teplitz directs the Office of Higher Education and other programs
offered by the Office. He joined Goddard at the beginning of 2003 on a
three-year leave of absence from the Physics Department of Southern
Methodist University. His previous experience includes academic
appointments at MIT and Virginia Tech, 12 years in the U.S. Arms Control
and Disarmament Agency, and two years in the White House Science Office.
His research is in elementary particle theory, primarily at its border
with astrophysics and cosmology.

[Deputy Chief, Office of Higher Education]{.underline}- *Dr. Richard P.
Fahey*

Dr. Fahey serves as Deputy Chief of the Office of Higher Education.
Prior to Dr. Teplitz\'s arrival, he led the Office of Higher Education
as Acting Director for several years both before and after Jerry
Soffen\'s death. For the past three decades, he has been developing
methods of presenting aspects of relativity and quantum theory to
specialist and non-specialist audiences. During that time, he has taught
courses in physics, astronomy, relativity and cosmology, aerospace
engineering, and the philosophy of nature. Dr. Fahey currently conducts
research in cosmology and gravitational wave detection at GSFC. He is
also the Naval Space Command Research Chair at the U.S. Naval Academy in
Annapolis.

[Program Director]{.underline} - *Mr. David Rosage*

Mr. Rosage (ME) has served NASA in various technical roles between 1980
and 2000, and as Director/Program Manager of the Academy since 2000.
Besides managing the NASA Academy Program for Goddard, he is responsible
for short and long-term program improvements, expansion of the Academy
to other NASA centers, enabling international participants, and
increasing Academy alumni involvement and their awareness to the NASA
community.

[Program Manager]{.underline} - *Dr. Mildred Lockhart-Boyd*

Dr. Boyd serves as the Program Manager for LUX Consulting Group, a
contractor for the Office of Higher Education at NASA GSFC, and provides
direction, implementation and management to the programs offered by the
Office.  She has provided support to student programs at Goddard since
1999.  She also served on the first support team to the first NASA
Academy in 1993.

Dr. Boyd received her Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Science
and Mathematics Education, Masters of Science from Howard University in
Microbiology, and Bachelors of Science from Howard University in Botany.

[Dean of Academic Affairs]{.underline} - *Dr. Joseph Di Rienzi*

Joseph Di Rienzi is a Professor of Physics at the College of Notre Dame
in Maryland and a Visiting Scientist at NASA/Goddard Space Flight
Center's Laboratory of Astronomy and Solar Physics. Dr. Di Rienzi
received his Ph.D. in Physics form the Polytechnic Institute of New York
and his B.S. from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. His research interests
are in theoretical physics, in particular atomic physics and the
foundations of quantum mechanics. He works at Goddard with Dr. Richard
Drachman on theoretical modeling of matter-antimatter reactions, and
currently they are investigating the scattering of positronium with
helium. Dr. Di Rienzi has had a long association with the NASA Academy.
He served under Dr. Soffen as the original Dean in 1993 and 1994. He
returned again as the Dean in 1999 and has remained in that position
since 2004. Dr. Di Rienzi is a long time member of the Selection
Committee, and he is very excited to be part of this year's Academic
Staff.

[Program and IT Support]{.underline} - *Mr. Johnny Erickson*

Johnny has a B.S. in Computer Science and is the co-founder of a
software design company. Johnny is an enthusiastic and devoted supporter
of the Academy and its alumni.

[Program Coordinators]{.underline} -- *Tiffany Russell and Sherrica
Newsome*

In the operation of the NASA Academy, Tiffany and Sherrica will provide
general assistance and logistics coordination. They will reside full
time at the Academy House and will be available as facilitators in
relevant program activities.

Together with the designated Academy staff listed above, the Academy
participants are expected to be actively involved in the affairs of the
Academy, assuring its day-to-day success.

All the members of the Office of Higher Education will be pleased to
grant any assistance and support needed.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc197140083
.anchor}![](media/image4.png){width="5.079861111111111in"
height="0.5006944444444444in"}***Links***

-   NASA Academy:

<http://academy.nasa.gov/>

-   NASA Academy Alumni Association:

<http://www.nasa-academy.org/>

-   NASA Agency:

[http://www.nasa.gov](http://www.nasa.gov/)

-   International Space University:

[http://www.isunet.edu](http://www.isunet.edu/)

-   The Soffen Memorial Fund:

<http://www.nasa-academy.org/soffen/donors.html>

-   Goddard Space Flight Center:

<http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/>

-   Goddard Space Flight Center\'s Mission:

<http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/about_mission.html>