District News

Charlie Quinn, a student from Bernards High School in Bernardsville, New Jersey has been selected for the prestigious NASA STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) summer internship sponsored by NASA and The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research. Students will work with scientists and engineers to conduct authentic research from data received from NASA’s earth observing satellites to study air quality, land forms, mosquito-borne diseases, and astronomy. This nationally competitive program selects students who will increase their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math through earth and space education. SEES is a collaborative effort of NASA and The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research. Students apply for SEES and are selected competitively. The internships are organized around an aerospace or space science theme drawn from NASA’s diverse engineering and scientific research programs. The program combines the strengths of collaborators to enrich teaching and learning of STEM.

Nearly 3000 applications were received for only 95 virtual internship positions. Students work remotely with their project scientist to conduct hands-on activities, field investigations, collaborate with NASA scientists and engineers through science presentations, and work on various NASA missions. Earth is a complex, dynamic system we do not yet fully understand. The Earth system, like the human body, comprises diverse components that interact in complex ways. We strive to understand the Earth's atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere as a single connected system. Our planet is changing on all spatial and temporal scales. The purpose of NASA's Earth science program is to develop a scientific understanding of Earth's system and its response to natural or human-induced changes, and to improve prediction of climate, weather, and natural hazards.

Students selected will come together for the NASA SEES Virtual Symposium on July 21st-22nd to present the research findings to NASA scientists, NASA engineers, the public, and other NASA SEES participants. 

“I am grateful to the Somerset Hills School District and my teachers for preparing me for this opportunity, especially Mr. Anderson. To be able to conduct research with NASA mentors and get more hands-on STEM experience is beyond exciting,” shared Quinn.