student Austin Cataluna, who is studying mechanical engineering, spent this past year as one of 120 students nationwide as a (NCAS). The six-month journey is designed to advance students¡¯ capabilities in STEM and prepare them for better representation in the field.
NCAS challenges students through three missions focusing on NASA¡¯s mission goals, collaboration and career pathways. Each student progresses to the next mission after completing the previous one.
Mission 1 was a five-week online course focusing on NASA¡¯s history and student career development. In Mission 2 Cataluna worked as a project manager with a team of nine to design a simulated mission to the moon. In Mission 3 Cataluna had the opportunity to experience the Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California for a three-week hybrid capstone project.
“It was only my second time traveling outside of Â鶹´«Ã½ alone,” Cataluna said. “The military base setting, complete with unique aircrafts, sonic booms and 106 degree heat added to the excitement. Learning about the technologies and innovations in aerospace, a field I¡¯m interested in entering, was fascinating,”
While at the research center, Cataluna met and learned from some of NASAs top professionals, including shadowing an operations engineer working with the ER-2 Spy Plane. This experience provided him a glimpse into the day-to-day life of someone working in one of the most challenging, yet rewarding fields.
Cataluna is preparing to transfer to the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa, and credits Leeward CC with helping him seize this opportunity.
“I wouldn¡¯t be where I am if it wasn¡¯t for the flexibility that Leeward provides,” Cataluna said. Adding that his college experience has been instrumental in preparing him for a future career in engineering.