NASA/Space Grant interns celebrate accomplishments

April 21, 2008

By hammersmith

[Source: Eric Schwartz, Arizona Daily Star] — The University of Arizona played host this weekend to more than 100 college students from across the state at the 17th annual Arizona/NASA Space Grant Undergraduate Research Internship Program’s statewide symposium. The program began in 1988 after Congress passed the National Space Grant Act, and there are now programs in every state, said Susan Brew, manager of both the Arizona Space Grant Consortium and University of Arizona programs. “The symposium is the grand finale of the program,” she said, “a celebration of their accomplishments.”

Presentations came from students at the UA, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Pima Community College, and South Mountain Community College. The presentations ran the gamut of science and engineering, from aerospace to biology and planetary science, as well as science education and public outreach. Barron Orr, associate director of the UA program, said the program helps students “get a full research experience,” an important part of which is sharing that research. “It’s a chance to see how your peers in the scientific community react.” [Note: To read the full article, click here.]