Dublin Teen To Work Under NASA Scientists On Space Research

DUBLIN, CA — Mihika Sharma, a Dublin High School junior, won't have the typical teen summer job this year. Instead, she'll be working with scientists and engineers to conduct authentic research from data received from NASA’s earth observing satellites as well as designing Mars habitats, lunar exploration, and analysis of images from the International Space Station.

Sharma got the gig after being selected to participate in the prestigious Student Enhancement in Earth and Space Science summer internship at The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research. This nationally competitive program sponsored by NASA’s Texas Space Grant Consortium selects students who will increase their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math through earth and space education.

"Working at NASA has always been a dream of mine," said Sharma. "I’m very excited to work alongside the people who are doing what I hope to one day do. This internship will not only provide me the exposure to real world problems that NASA is trying to solve, but also help me explore further my interest in processing large data into meaningful information."

SEES is a collaborative effort of Texas Space Grant Consortium members and affiliates, NASA, and The University of Texas at Austin. Students apply for SEES and are selected competitively. The internships are organized around an aerospace or space science theme drawn from NASA’s engineering and scientific research programs. The program combines the strengths of collaborators to enrich teaching and learning of STEM.

Almost 600 applications were received for the coveted 54 internship positions. Students work remotely with their project scientist prior to the on-site internship. During the two weeks the students’ will work at UT/CSR, they will conduct hands-on activities, field investigations, attend presentations by NASA scientists and engineers, and work on various NASA missions.
Students selected will come together July 13-27 in Austin, Texas to conduct experiments, tour facilities, network with other students, and conduct research while being mentored by NASA scientists and engineers at The University of Texas at Austin.