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NASA has selected two new university student teams to participate in real-world aviation research challenges meant to transform the skies above our communities.<\/p>\n
The research awards were made through NASA\u2019s University Student Research Challenge (USRC), which provides students with opportunities to contribute to NASA\u2019s flight research goals.<\/p>\n
This round is notable for including USRC\u2019s first-ever award to a community college: Cerritos Community College.<\/p>\n
steven holz<\/p>\n
NASA Project Manager<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re trying to tap into the community college talent pool to bring new students to the table for aeronautics,\u201d said Steven Holz, who manages the USRC award process. \u201cInnovation comes from everywhere, and people with different viewpoints, educational backgrounds, and experiences like those in our community colleges are also interested in aeronautics and looking to make a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through USRC, students interact with real-world aspects of the research ecosystem both in and out of the laboratory. They will manage their own research projects, utilize state-of-the-art technology, and work alongside accomplished aeronautical researchers. Students are expected to make unique contributions to NASA\u2019s research priorities.<\/p>\n
USRC provides more than just experience in technical research.<\/p>\n
Each team of students selected receives a USRC grant from NASA \u2013 and is tasked with the additional challenge of raising funds from the public through student-led crowdfunding. The process helps students develop skills in entrepreneurship and public communication.<\/p>\n
The new university teams and research topics are:<\/p>\n
\u201cProject F.I.R.E. (Fire Intervention Retardant Expeller)\u201d will explore how to mitigate wildfires by using environmentally friendly fire-retardant pellets dropped from drones. Cerritos Community College\u2019s team includes lead Angel Ortega Barrera as well as Larisa Mayoral, Paola Mayoral Jimenez, Jenny Rodriguez, Logan Stahl, and Juan Villa, with faculty mentor Janet McLarty-Schroeder. This team also successfully participated with the same research topic in in NASA\u2019s Gateway to Blue Skies competition, which aims to expand engagement between the NASA\u2019s University Innovation project and universities, industry, and government partners.<\/p>\n
The project \u201cDesign and Prototyping of a 9-phase Dual-Rotor Motor for Supersonic Electric Turbofan\u201d will work on a scaled-down prototype for an electric turbofan for supersonic aircraft. The Colorado School of Mines team includes lead Mahzad Gholamian as well as Garret Reader, Mykola Mazur, and Mirali Seyedrezaei, with faculty mentor Omid Beik.<\/p>\n
Complete details on USRC awardees and solicitations, such as what to include in a proposal and how to submit it, are available on the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate solicitation page.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n