Local Student Selected for Internship at the University of Texas to Analyze NASA Earth Science Data

Galileo Solis, a student from Half Hollow Hills High School West in Dix Hills, NY, has been selected for the prestigious NASA STEM Enhancement in Earth and Space Science (SEES) Summer Internship at The University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research. During this nationally competitive program funded by NASA, students collaborate with scientists and engineers to conduct authentic research, Interns use data from NASA Earth-observing satellites, design Lunar and Mars habitats, analyze imagery from the International Space Station, and investigate effects of microgravity. The program is designed to expand student knowledge and experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through advanced Earth and space science education.

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

Over 3000 applications were received for the coveted 118 on-site internship positions. Students work remotely with their project scientist prior to the on-site internship, complete an Earth and Space Science course and a Python coding course, and hear from NASA Subject Matter Experts as part of the SEES Speaker Series. During the two weeks the students will work at UT/CSR, they will conduct hands-on activities, field investigations, collaborate with NASA-funded scientists and engineers, and work on various NASA missions.

NASA programs span from observing Earth’s oceans, atmosphere, and land surfaces from orbit to designing missions that explore the Moon, Mars, asteroids, and the outer solar system. These programs depend on a growing workforce of scientists, engineers, and data analysts who can work across disciplines to solve complex technical problems. SEES connects high school students to this work by placing them in research teams that use the same data, tools, and methods used by NASA and aerospace professionals.

Students selected will come together July 5 in Austin, Texas to conduct experiments, tour facilities, network with other students, and conduct research while being mentored by NASA, industry, and academia subject matter experts at The University of Texas at Austin.

The SEES internship proves that the excitement students feel about space science is a critical step in enriching science, math, engineering, and technology. The internship provides students the rare and unique opportunity to spend two weeks working with professional scientists and engineers at the cutting edge of space exploration.

SEES is funded through NASA’s Cooperative Agreement Notice NNH15ZDA004C.