The Monash-led National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA) sends five students each year to the iconic facility in California for 10 weeks, with applications for 2025’s intake now open.
“I’ve seen first-hand the transformative effect NISA has on the lives of its interns,” said Enrico Palermo, the head of the Australian Space Agency.
“It gives First Nations’ STEM talent the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s best, and to bring that knowledge back to the Australian space and technology sectors.
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“A more diverse STEM workforce is essential to realising the Government’s marquee agenda of ‘A Future Made in Australia’, and programs like NISA are helping bridge the divide.”
The scheme is open to students who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and are studying for a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Before leaving, they will undertake a ‘Space Boot Camp’ at Monash University’s Clayton Campus with former NASA/JPL leader lieutenant Larry James to learn about past and current NASA space exploration missions.
They will also familiarise themselves with aerodynamics, robotics, astrophysics, planetary science, engineering, computer sciences, and Earth sciences.
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NISA was established in 2019 by Professor Christopher Lawrence and has already supported 14 students.
“This new uplift for NISA will fuel the dreams of a new generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM students and help them join the program’s early pioneers at the forefront of space research and exploration,” he said.
The Professor previously appeared on Space Connect’s podcast in April to discuss the initiative, which you can listen to below.
Carl Goodwin, one of this year’s intake, worked with the Earth sciences team, contributing to building models to predict harmful algal blooms.
“These models are crucial for preserving the health of large water systems for drinking water, recreation, and ecosystems,” he said. “In the future, I am planning to utilise these skills and knowledge to contribute to the preservation of Australia’s beautiful coasts and reefs.
“Not only was it an amazing experience that helped me develop my skills, but further opportunities are presenting themselves that I otherwise wouldn’t have been exposed to.”
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is NASA’s research and development lab located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains near Pasadena, California.
With an annual budget of more than US$2.4 billion, it employs 6,000 people and was originally built to operate the US’ first satellite, Explorer 1, in 1958.
Today, it is best known for investing in and pioneering various innovative technologies.
Adam Thorn
Adam is a journalist who has worked for more than 40 prestigious media brands in the UK and Australia. Since 2005, his varied career has included stints as a reporter, copy editor, feature writer and editor for publications as diverse as Fleet Street newspaper The Sunday Times, fashion bible Jones, media and marketing website Mumbrella as well as lifestyle magazines such as GQ, Woman’s Weekly, Men’s Health and Loaded. He joined Momentum Media in early 2020 and currently writes for Australian Aviation and World of Aviation.
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