A Maryland Student Has Been Selected for Prestigious NASA Academy

Alan Talbott, a West Virginia University student from Walkersville, Md., will spend the summer of 2008 at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., as a participant in the competitive NASA Academy. In his senior year, Talbott is majoring in mechanical and aerospace engineering.

The NASA Academy is a unique residential internship program that targets undergrad and graduate students. Participants must have demonstrated unique interest in space science during the application process. The academy was created to develop new leaders for the U.S. Space Program.

“From a young age I knew that I wanted to be in the aerospace industry,” said Talbott. “I have always considered NASA to be at the cutting edge of aerospace research. It is truly an honor to be a part of the world’s foremost space agency.”

Participants are expected to conduct laboratory research, assist with group projects, and complete a presentation accompanied with technical writing. Students will gain a greater understanding about how NASA centers operate and build professional bonds with NASA personnel and fellow interns.

Once students complete the Academy program, they are inducted into the NASA Academy Alumni Association and earn course credits from the University of Maryland, College of Computer, Mathematical and Physical Science.

Founded in 1993, the NASA Academy inspires and develops future leaders with a demonstrated commitment to aerospace through a unique, powerful combination of research, leadership development, and relationship building opportunities. Filling an important niche among NASA education programs, the NASA Academy structure complements internship programs that focus more exclusively on research. The NASA Academy experience stimulates sharp young minds at a critical decision-making point in their careers.

The ten-week academy runs now through Aug. 8.

This program is a part of NASA’s continuing tradition of investing in the nation’s best and brightest. It is directly tied to the agency’s educational goal of strengthening NASA’s and the nation’s future workforce. Through this and the agency’s other college and university programs, NASA will identify and develop the critical skills and capabilities necessary for future space exploration.

For more info about the Academy go to: http://www.nasa-academy.nasa.gov/

News media should contact Dewayne Washington 286-0040 of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Public Affairs Office for additional information.