UCF Students Selected for Undergraduate Space Academy

CAPE CANAVERAL -- The Florida Space Authority (FSA) announced the selection of 21 exceptional candidates, four from the University of Central Florida, for the summer's undergraduate program of the Florida Space Academy.  The Academy is a one-week, hands-on program committed to raising science, space and career awareness for Florida students. 

The Academy received over 100 qualified applications from Florida's undergraduate college students that are actively incorporating science and space into their potential careers. The candidates from UCF are Derek Demeter (Physics and Astronomy), Edward Hebel (Industrial Engineering), Erin Langsdorf (Mathematics), and Santo Scimeca (Aeronautical Systems Engineering Technology).

"We are very excited with the caliber and quality of these students," said CAPT Winston Scott, former astronaut and FSA executive director. "They are Florida's future space professionals." 

The project-driven program, which provides students with unique real-life, scientific and space challenges, includes interactive lectures, research, constructing a meteorological balloon, assembling a payload for a rocket launch, and on-site visits to key NASA/KSC locations.  On the final day, the undergraduates will have an opportunity to meet NASA/KSC leaders and receive information on job opportunities and internships. 

"The students will have to combine all their skills and expertise in life sciences, physics, computer science and engineering to face the space and science challenges the Academy will present," said Dr. Larry Chew, professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Central Florida and developer of the challenging curriculum.  "In other words, they will have to become 'true' scientists."

DATE POSTED
May 1, 2006

CONTACT
Tony Gannon
Florida Space Authority
321-730-5301 x230
t.gannon@floridaspaceauthority.com

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LINKS
www.floridaspaceauthority.com