UNCFSP - Science & Technology - NSTI

Science & Technology
About
Programs

UNCFSP Home > Science & Technology > NSTI > About

Print page

Email page

NASA Science & Technology Institute for Minority Institutions (NSTI)

Program Overview

Proximity to public and private research facilities can facilitate collaborations and engagement in cutting-edge research. The NASA Science and Technology Institute for Minority Institutions (NSTI), located within the NASA Research Park (NRP) at the NASA Ames Research Center (ARC), brings together the expertise of Minority Institutions to give researchers unparalleled access to NASA facilities, scientists and capabilities.

Students, faculty, researchers and teachers associated with NSTI also tap into an established network of scientists and technologists from the R&D companies within the neighboring Silicon Valley area. NSTI activities strive to increase research opportunities in NASA-related research; stimulate cross-disciplinary research; improve the transfer of information, ideas and technology; foster R&D management strategies and expertise; and establish educational frameworks and networks that will continue to expand the nation's science and technology talent base.

A Few Highlights

The NSTI was launched in June, 2006, at a national press conference sponsored by Google and attended by 75+ NASA representatives, higher education representatives, and Minority Institutions' administrators, faculty, and students. There are 4 main activities associated with the entire NSTI-MI project

NSTI Research Clusters
NSTI Summer Scholars Program
Professional Development Training and
Outreach


Two SSP scholars were recognized by NASA Headquarters Office of Higher Education and invited to attend the launch of the STS-116 Discovery.	SSP Scholar Presentations to the Ames Center Director, Dr. Pete Worden demonstrated the immense enthusiasm, dedication and commitment these future leaders will have on our nation’s scientific community.	SSP performance excellence resulted in a 2nd place poster symposium award for SSP Scholar, Monique Chambers (Cohort 2).

NSTI Summer Scholars Program

(NSTI - SSP)

The Summer Scholars Program, a component of the NSTI project, is a ten-week summer research experience for graduates and undergraduates in STEM disciplines at the NASA Ames Research Center. In addition to conducting research with NASA scientists, scholars have an opportunity to participate in professional development training sessions that include modules on

1) Leadership Development,

2) Scientific Communication,

3) Presentation Skills,

4) Team Building,

5) Interviewing Techniques,

6) Resume Building and Networking Skills, and

7) Responsible Research Ethics.

NSTI Research Clusters

(NSTI-MI)

In view of the substantial contributions that Minority Institutions can make to aerospace research, the NSTI has established Research Clusters to increase the engagement of traditionally underrepresented communities in both NASA's and the NRP's mission. Through participation in the Research Clusters, opportunities to conduct mainstream NASA research will expand as the awardees' research capabilities are enhanced through interaction with professionals from NASA and Silicon Valley. Likewise, the NSTI pool of traditionally underrepresented students with research experience and interest in pursuing advanced STEM degrees will increase through faculty support. The overarching goal of the Clusters is to promote translational investigation that will positively impact on the production of market-based technologies.