The NASA Science and Technology Institute (NSTI) Summer Scholars Program, a component of the Institute, is a ten-week summer research experience for graduate and undergraduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines at the NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) in Moffett Field, California.  

In addition to conducting research with NASA scientists, scholars have an opportunity to participate in a variety of 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.

 

Scholars will culminate their ten-week experience by presenting their research findings to their mentors, peers, and the NASA Ames research community at the annual Poster Symposium.

Who are the NSTI Scholars?

Otis Smart (Cohort 1) recently obtained his Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering.  He is now a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Emory University in Atlanta, GA.	Quenton Bonds (Cohort 1) was awarded a JPFP fellowship after his rewarding SSP experience. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of South Florida.

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.

• Thirty-one students, from both majority and minority institutions nationwide, have completed the summer research experience.

• Of the 31 awarded students, 1 has participated as a returning scholars.
  

• Scholars represent over 17 minority institutions and expand over 15  STEM disciplines, including Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Biology, & Material Science.

• While engaging in hands on research projects, scholars establish collaborations and peer-to-peer learning groups to further enhance their research experience.