Putting boots on the moon and staying there requires bold thinkers ready to take on tomorrow’s challenges.
That’s why NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement at Johnson Space Center in Houston is on a mission to empower the next generation of explorers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Through the High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program, Texas juniors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in space exploration through interactive learning experiences.
“HAS is a very important program because it introduces students to many careers and experiences that contribute to space exploration,” said Jacarda Varnado, NASA HAS activities manager. “We don’t just ask our students what they want to be when they grow up, we ask them what problems they want to solve.”
Meet former HAS student Madeline King
Madeline King always knew she wanted a career in STEM. My dream of working for NASA influenced my decision to pursue a degree in engineering.
Before joining HAS, King believed that scientists primarily worked in the lab and engineers focused on design. But the HAS program revealed a different reality. Scientists and engineers often collaborated on interdisciplinary projects, sometimes even sharing roles.
The program broadened King’s perspective on the diverse paths a STEM degree could lead to. It showed her that a career at NASA offers opportunities across a variety of fields and specialties.
Ms. King said participating in HAS strengthened her problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively. The program emphasized self-directed learning and required students to work independently on complex technical tasks. King explains that HAS excels in technical roles because it’s fun, challenging, and engaging.
“Learning how to digest and internalize this information is a skill I continue to use as I work with new groups and take on projects outside of my current skill set,” King said. Said.
King joined HAS during a time when in-person interactions were limited due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but the experience still had an impact. Her mentor also provided insight into graduate school options and helped her weigh the benefits of an advanced degree versus gaining hands-on experience at NASA.
The program opened the door to an internship in Johnson’s Engineering Robotics and Avionics Systems Integration division. Currently, she studies Mechanical Engineering at the University of Houston and brings her passion and experience to the fields of electronics, robotics, education, project management, and aviation.
“Early on in my internship journey, AS shined on my resume,” she said. “This demonstrated that I already had experience with NASA’s culture, values, and mission.”
Looking to the future, King envisions himself becoming a flight controller and contributing to both the International Space Station program and the Artemis campaign. Driven by a passion for NASA’s mission, King is just beginning her journey and is eager to be a part of the future of space exploration.
“My internships since HAS have allowed me to make small contributions to these two missions, and I am excited to specialize as a full-time engineer,” said King.
Introducing Caroline Vergara
As a first-generation student, Caroline Vergara lacked the resources to fully explore her interest in aerospace engineering, much less imagine what a career would look like. did. Everything changed when she was accepted into NASA’s HAS program.
“Exposure to real-world innovation sparked in me a desire to be part of something bigger, something that pushes the boundaries of human knowledge and ability,” she said.
Touring NASA facilities and watching engineers work on projects opened her eyes to the possibilities of STEM. Vergara currently works as a propulsion design engineering intern at United Launch Alliance and is contributing to the Vulcan rocket as a Brooke Owens Fellow.
Vergara initially thought working in STEM was about writing equations and running simulations, but HAS showed her it was so much more than that. “A career in STEM is about curiosity, collaboration, and the power to change the world,” she said.
During the program, Vergara joined a student team to work on a mission simulation project. They called themselves “Charlie and the Rocket Factory” and together they designed prototype rockets. Working with colleagues from all over the country showed her the power of diverse perspectives. She experienced first-hand what it’s like to be part of a team with a shared vision and strive for something bigger than ourselves.
Vergara also discovered her love for 3D printing and computer-aided design through HAS. She was fascinated by the process of turning digital models into physical reality and spent hours fine-tuning her designs.
My experience at HAS also inspired me to want to give back. She returned to her hometown to share her story and encourage other students to pursue STEM. She teamed up with Johnson Community Engagement Leader Jessica Cordero to organize a video conference with NASA engineers on International Women in Engineering Day to inspire a new wave of students to get involved in space exploration.
“The aerospace industry is entering a new space age, and we have a unique opportunity to return humans to the moon and explore beyond,” she said.
Her advice to Artemis’ generation is: You too may be part of the generation that changes the fate of humanity. ”
Vergara, a mechanical engineering honors student at the University of Houston and lead engineer on the Space City rocket, envisions contributing to the Artemis campaign and furthering NASA’s mission to explore the universe.
“My dream is to contribute to the space exploration effort that returns humans to the moon and beyond, and one day work in a mission control center to help lead historic missions into the future.”
Introducing Iker Aguirre
For Iker Aguirre, it was a casual conversation during his freshman year of high school that ignited the path to a career in aerospace. Senior classmates said the HAS program was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that solidified his passion for aerospace. That moment stuck with Aguirre, and when the opportunity arose, he didn’t hesitate to apply.
“HAS taught me that it takes a well-rounded team and individuals to accomplish something as complex as Artemis,” he said. “You don’t have to study aerospace to get into the aerospace industry!”
In 2020, Aguirre participated in a remote-only version of HAS, but he still recalls the program giving him a deeper understanding of the spaceflight industry.
Even though he was already interested in aerospace, Aguirre said it broadened his horizons by showing him different paths into the field. Through collaborative projects with colleagues across Texas, we discovered that solving the challenges of space exploration requires more than aerospace engineers.
I was impressed by the program’s emphasis on teamwork. During her time at HAS, Aguirre found herself working with students from diverse backgrounds who brought unique perspectives to problem-solving. It introduced him to dedicated and passionate people of different personalities and cultures who shared the same dreams and aspirations as him.
Aguirre credits HAS with not only honing his technical skills but also shaping his approach to innovation and teamwork. That experience paid off throughout her academic and professional journey, including internships with the Pathways program at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston and Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
“Being able to connect with NASA through HAS has opened a lot of doors for me,” Aguirre said. “I made many good friends through my internships at HAS and Johnson, which I still cherish.”
Mr. Aguirre is currently pursuing a degree in rocket propulsion with an emphasis in turbomachinery design and remains committed to advancing space exploration. He hopes to address the challenges of rocket engine delivery systems and contribute to human mobility in space.
Through HAS, Aguirre found more than just an educational program, he found community and purpose. “My journey will forever be tied to NASA’s core values of benefiting humanity on Earth and beyond,” he said. “I hope to inspire others just like those who have inspired me through my journey.”
