Local student receives prestigious NASA internship

George Korbel of Orofino was one of 10 students from Idaho universities who will intern at NASA institutions across the country this summer, working with NASA scientists and participating in research and hands on projects.

“NASA internships give students the chance to apply the knowledge they gain in the classroom in a very tangible, real-world environment. It is an excellent learning opportunity,” said Becky Highfill of the NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC).

The ISGC submits student applications and assists the students financially in their endeavors, aiding them in travel and other expenses.

Internships at NASA institutions have been known to lead to jobs with NASA after graduation. Idaho interns will have an opportunity to work on a variety of NASA research programs that align with NASA’s current vision.

The students will be dispersed at different locations throughout the nation. Four students will intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in Pasadena, CA. The other six students have received internships to work at NASA Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.

Other NASA interns from the University of Idaho include: Kim Baird, Boise; David Gardner, Priest River; Carlos Gonzalez, Firth; Brent Kisling, Pocatello; Kevin Ramus, Rathdrum; Michael Schrader, Idaho Falls; Walter Taresh, Pocatello; and Lee Van Gundy, Vancouver, WA.

Boise State University also has one NASA intern, Craig Cornwall, Boise.

The interns will post pictures and updates of their experiences on the NASA ISGC Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pages/NASA-Idaho-Space-Grant-Consortium/91682706503, which is open to the public for viewing.

About the NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium

The NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium was established in 1991 as part of the NASA National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. The ISGC comprises 22 institutions including all colleges and universities in the state, science centers and museums, science organizations, state departments, industry representatives, a state park, and a national monument.