Five Indigenous Australian university students have been invited to embark on an extraordinary journey to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California. Marking a significant milestone for both the students and the broader STEM community. This thrilling opportunity comes courtesy of Monash University’s National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA) – the world’s first indigenous space academy. With vital support from the Australian Space Agency and CSIRO.
Starting in August, these promising students will dive into a 10-week internship at JPL. Where they will work alongside some of the world’s leading scientists and engineers. This prestigious program offers a unique chance to contribute to groundbreaking space missions and innovative projects that push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.
Meet the trailblazers
The students selected for this incredible internship are:
- Carl Goodwin, a proud Gamilaroi man from Brisbane, currently pursuing a Masters of Artificial Intelligence at Monash University.
- David Corporal, an Eastern Arrernte man from Queensland University of Technology.
- Jordan McGrath, a Lunga Kija man from Griffith University.
- Renee Wootten, a Tharawal woman from the University of Sydney.
- Lucy Barr, a Palawa woman from the University of Tasmania.
Carl Goodwin, in particular, is eager to apply his AI and machine learning expertise to NASA’s Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) mission aboard the International Space Station. “I am really excited to apply my AI and machine learning knowledge for research in the space sector,” Goodwin said.
“Apart from working with world-leading space scientists this is also a great opportunity for me to interact and work with other like-minded Indigenous people. Our People are underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, (STEM). And, programs like NISA are providing valuable stepping stones for First Nations students in this sector.”
A new era for Indigenous STEM
Professor Chris Lawrence, Associate Dean (Indigenous) at Monash University, expressed his enthusiasm about the students’ upcoming experiences. “These outstanding Indigenous STEM students will be involved in cutting-edge NASA/JPL projects. From ocean exploration vehicles to studying microorganisms on the International Space Station,” he said. “Empowering our Indigenous youth to learn from the best in the world is phenomenal. We dream of NISA one day producing the world’s first Aboriginal astronaut.”
Before their departure, the students will undergo Monash’s Space Boot Camp. This intensive program will cover a broad spectrum of topics including aerodynamics, robotics, rovers, rockets, astrophysics, planetary science, engineering, computer science, and Earth sciences. This preparatory course will equip them with the knowledge and skills needed for their high-stakes internship.
CSIRO: A key collaborator
The CSIRO has also recently joined as a new partner. Enhancing NISA’s efforts with the introduction of a scholarship program aimed at advancing Indigenous STEM researchers. Taylor Bamin, Gamilaraay woman and CSIRO’s Indigenous Talent Manager highlighted the significance of this partnership. “These scholarships are a crucial step in supporting the work of the National Indigenous Space Academy and fostering a community of Indigenous STEM professionals who are global leaders. Supporting these students in participating in this extraordinary program is a way we can champion STEM careers and drive innovation for Australia.”
With this groundbreaking initiative, NISA, supported by the Australian Space Agency and CSIRO, is paving the way for a future where Indigenous Australians play a central role in space exploration and STEM fields.
For more information about the NISA program, visit Monash University.
