Five Indigenous Australian university students are preparing for the adventure of a lifetime as they gear up for internships at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California, thanks to the National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA). This initiative, described by many as groundbreaking, aims to bridge the gap between Indigenous communities and the burgeoning field of space exploration and technology.
Beginning their ten-week program this August, the students will immerse themselves in the intricacies of space research and technology, equipping them with invaluable skills and experiences. Supported by Monash University, the Australian Space Agency, and CSIRO, this is not just another internship; it’s considered the first of its kind aimed at fostering Indigenous talent within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
The selected trailblazers include:
- Carl Goodwin: A proud Gamilaroi man from Brisbane, currently pursuing his Masters of Artificial Intelligence at Monash University.
- David Corporal: An Eastern Arrernte man studying at Queensland University of Technology.
- Jordan McGrath: A Lunga Kija man attending Griffith University.
- Renee Wootten: A Tharawal woman from the University of Sydney.
- Lucy Barr: A Palawa woman studying at the University of Tasmania.
Each student brings unique talents to the table, with Carl Goodwin expressing special enthusiasm for applying his expertise to NASA's Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) mission aboard the International Space Station. He noted, “I am really excited to apply my AI and machine learning knowledge for research in the space sector.” Goodwin also emphasized the importance of community among Indigenous students, stating, “Our People are underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, and programs like NISA are providing valuable stepping stones for First Nations students in this sector.”
This internship is being hailed as more than just educational; it's about empowerment. Professor Chris Lawrence, the Associate Dean (Indigenous) at Monash University, expressed his hopes for the program’s influence, stating, “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. 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 heading off to California, these students will participate in Monash’s Space Boot Camp—a rigorous preparatory program covering topics such as aerodynamics, robotics, rovers, rockets, astrophysics, planetary science, engineering, computer science, and Earth sciences. This boot camp is strategically crafted to prepare them for the exciting but demanding tasks they will face at JPL.
CSIRO has recently joined as another partner, enhancing NISA’s efforts by introducing scholarships aimed at bolstering Indigenous STEM researchers. Taylor Bamin, Gamilaraay woman and CSIRO’s Indigenous Talent Manager, affirmed the significance of this partnership: “These scholarships are a critical 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.”
This initiative is not only setting the stage for Indigenous involvement in high-tech fields but is also paving the way for future generations to follow suit. The hope is to create pathways for Indigenous students, blending their rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge technological research. The overarching goal is to change the narrative around Indigenous participation and success, which has often been overshadowed by disparities and underrepresentation.
Pioneers like Goodwin and his peers symbolize hope as they navigate uncharted territories for themselves and their communities. Their upcoming experiences at JPL could inspire countless others, showing what is possible when access and opportunity are provided. The determination and passion they exhibit encapsulate the spirit of resilience, paving the way for new realities where Indigenous Australians are at the forefront of scientific advancements.
Through hard work, community support, and programs like NISA, these students aim to break barriers and return home not only with knowledge and experience but also with the stories and inspiration to ignite the dreams of aspiring Indigenous scientists, researchers, and astronauts. Their journeys remind us all of the importance of diversity and representation within every field, particularly those as expansive and impactful as space exploration.
For more information about the National Indigenous Space Academy and its initiatives, you can visit Monash University's webpage dedicated to this transformative program.
