NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) selected Butte College engineering student Nancy Amara Ihekwoeme to attend their NCAS Virtual Experience. Ihekwoeme's successful completion of a five-week online NCAS course earned her a spot to participate in the Virtual Experience which took place August 3-9.
Selected students had the opportunity to learn more about NASA's missions and careers in science and engineering throughout this virtual experience. Students formed teams and were assigned roles to design a mission for NASA. Ihekwoeme served as project manager and budget officer for her team — Mercury Green. Their tasks included managing a budget and developing communication and outreach strategies for a rover mission to the moon to find a suitable location for future human-based habitation.
"Working in a team where everyone is just as excited about engineering and science was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience," said Ihekwoeme. She credits her science labs at Butte College for preparing her to work with a diverse group of students towards a common goal.
Each team presented its mission design, budget and results during a final competition. Ihekwoeme's team won in their division and has been invited to participate in a third phase of the NCAS program.
Ihekwoeme will begin her second year at Butte College this fall. She is working toward a degree in engineering and plans to transfer to UC Davis or Cal Poly in the spring.
The Minority University Research and Education Program, or MUREP, funds NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars. MUREP commits to engaging underrepresented and underserved students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with authentic learning experiences to sustain a diverse workforce. With the NCAS Virtual Experience, NASA continues the tradition of engaging the nation in its mission of human exploration and sustainable expansion across the solar system and bringing new knowledge and opportunities back to Earth.
Team Mercury Green at their virtual meeting on the moon.
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