Houston, TX -- 24 NOV 09
Embry-Riddle Student Works to Enhance NASA’s Next Generation Spacecraft through NASA USRP internship
Houston, TX – November 9, 2009: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student Natalie Spencer is an intern this Fall at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX with the NASA Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP). Spencer is working in the Materials and Processing Branch.
USRP interns are assigned a NASA research and development project aligned with their NASA mentor’s core research focus area. Natalie’s USRP project involves the testing and justifying of the structural mechanics of NASA’s next generation spacecraft.
“I’m very excited to begin lab work where I can apply knowledge gained from college experiences in solid mechanics, the chemistry lab, the machine shop lab, and the ERAU Space Physics Research Lab,” comments Spencer.
Spencer is using two main methods to test the quality, strength and reliability of alloys and composites under the stresses of aerospace applications.
“I have observed an exciting, innovative community. There are constantly events relating to the current missions, specific branches, and co-worker environment,” Spencer said about her time at NASA thus far.
Natalie Spencer is a junior from Arlington, Washington expecting to graduate in May, 2011 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
“I recently switched to Mechanical Engineering from Engineering Physics thanks to the insight and advice I gained by being at NASA. I’ve always wanted to be an astronaut, but I wasn’t sure what kind of engineering would fit me best until now,” Spencer states.
“I know this NASA internship is the networking, career-making, unforgettable chance of a lifetime,” added Spencer.
Source: Jackie Juergens of the Universities Space Research Association
