All 19 of this year’s NCAS students from PCCC’s STEM department attended a five-week online workshop where they interacted with NASA experts, collaborated with one another, and also completed an independent study project,** related to the Mars mission. Fourteen students will go on to attend 4-day technical conference at a NASA location, a fantastic learning and networking opportunity that could lead to a paid summer internship with the space agency.
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Ala AjajMajor: Math On Being Selected for the NCAS 2017 ConferenceWhen I first found out I was invited to attend the NASA onsite portion I was so happy. It was something I never imagined happening. To be given the opportunity to complete the program just feels so surreal. On The NCAS Workshop ExperienceI have had an amazing experience with the NCAS program so far. The instructors have been extremely kind and supportive throughout the whole program. I couldn’t have had asked for better instructors to represent and lead the NCAS program. STEMtimonialI would definitely recommend the STEM program to high school students. This program has given me opportunities I could never have imagined achieving. The staff is incredibly welcoming, helpful, caring and supportive. The resources that are provided to me have allowed me to excel academically and that is something I am extremely thankful for. ReflectionThe NCAS program means a lot to me, as I never thought I would have the opportunity to even associate with NASA. I am a first generation college student. To be invited to a NASA research space center and work with a NASA scientist is such an honor and I am extremely thankful for this opportunity. |
Ase AwariMajor: Engineering On Being Selected for the NASA NCAS 2017 ConferenceI was happy to be selected. On The NCAS Workshop ExperienceIt was a good experience. STEMtimonialI recommend STEM at PCCC to high school students. |
Nour AwariMajor: Engineering Science On Being Selected for the NASA NCAS 2017 ConferenceIn all honesty, I did not expect to be selected for the NASA experience and when I heard that I was I was very happy, excited, and proud of myself. On The NCAS Workshop ExperienceMy experience has been very fun. It’s been an exciting experience. I learned a lot; I worked with others; and I also worked on myself. My final project in the NCAS workshop was the Mars rover design. STEMtimonialSTEM is a very exciting and enjoyable field. I would recommend the STEM field because you learn something new every day, and you find something interesting in everything after STEM. ReflectionThis NCAS opportunity means a lot to me. In a way this opportunity saved my future. Last semester, |
Stephany CabreraMajor: Environmental Sustainability On Being Selected for the NASA NCAS 2017 ConferenceMy reaction to being selected for a NASA experience was unreal. I was in complete disbelief when I was selected for the onsite, because my regard for NASA was so high, I didn’t think I would be so privileged to be part of such a journey. On The NCAS Workshop ExperienceDuring the NCAS I have never worked so hard to get such an opportunity. I stayed on schedule. STEMtimonialI would recommend STEM at PCCC to high school students, because this program breaks boundaries in community college at a university level and prepares students not only for responsibilities one will face in a 4-year institution, but in everyday life problems ReflectionNCAS is the opportunity I didn’t think I would ever see. This means I have the opportunity to savor and sample the career that I really want. This not just what can determine my education, but my path in life. Ever since I’ve been accepted to NCAS I have been on top of my work much more intensively. I feel like I have an obligation to myself to achieve the best for myself |
Michelle DiazMajor: Biology On Being Selected for the NASA NCAS 2017 ConferenceMy initial reaction to being selected for a NASA experience was pure excitement, followed by some hesitation. I was excited to even be selected and a bit hesitant because it is intimidating to know that I will be surrounded by other brilliant minds. On The NCAS Workshop ExperienceThis NASA experience has been very informative and exciting. Learning how to design my own rover for option 3 was very difficult but mostly fun. At first, after a couple of days of researching for option 3, STEMtimonialI would recommend STEM to anyone who would listen. It has gotten me a small internship with NASA, and I would not have gotten it without the help of the staff at PCCC. Being able to add my internship to my resume will open doors for me, especially with my biology major. ReflectionThis NCAS opportunity is my meal ticket. I always dreamed of working for NASA, and now that I have this Scholars opportunity, I feel that they will not overlook my application when the time comes. This opportunity has changed my perception of extracurricular activities. I didn’t think much of college clubs before the NCAS program. |
Fredrick ErikssonMajor: Engineering Science On Being Selected for the NASA NCAS 2017 ConferenceI was happy and proud to have been accepted into the NASA experience. It’s a great opportunity to network and gain experience. On The NCAS Workshop ExperienceThe NCAS program has been one of challenge and hard work. I have enjoyed every step learning about the past and future plans of NASA and have truly found an interest in what NASA plans to accomplish. STEMtimonialI would recommend STEM as it is a great way to network. Making friends and acquaintances as well as finding new opportunities really help in building a resume as well as gaining experiences to prepare for the real world. ReflectionThe NCAS opportunity has been a great experience thus far in helping me understand the goals NASA plans to accomplish. Being in the course as well as being accepted into the NASA onsite experience has been an eye opener in seeing what is required for different types of engineers, and the experience has also taught me how to be a team player in discussing open ended problems with my peers. |
Muhammed IzeiroskiMajor: Computer Information Science On Being Selected for the NASA NCAS 2017 ConferenceI was excited and grateful to be chosen for the NASA experience.
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Henry MendozaMajor: Computer Science On Being Selected for the NASA NCAS 2017 ConferenceI was surprised that I actually got selected and got the opportunity to go for the onsite NCAS experience. I was totally excited when I got my email telling me that I got accepted and the first thing I did is tell my parents about it. They were happy for me and were glad to see my hard work pay off. I can’t wait for the day when I’m actually on the NASA research base On The NCAS Workshop ExperienceThe experience in the NCAS program is not an easy path to take. It requires a lot of work and much of your own time to do the quizzes and projects in this program. But overall my experience here has been rewarding and informative. I loved learning new things about space and astronomy, so this program was actually fun to do. STEMtimonialI would recommend STEM at PCCC to high school students, especially CIS students, because there are so many opportunities that you can’t possibly turn away from. STEM has given me the opportunity of applying for this NASA internship that I would otherwise never have known about. STEM here gives back to the students who work hard and seize the opportunity given to them. ReflectionWhen I first applied to NCAS, I never thought I would be selected. I thought there would be a fierce competition to get in, and the program would be filled with genius applicants. So when I got accepted to the onsite program, I learned that I was one of the lucky few to get in. I can already see that this program will open up new interests and opportunities that I didn’t know existed. This program has helped me improve my time management, especially since I have work and school to worry about.This forces me to do all my work with time to spare. My future plans haven’t changed, at least not yet, and I hope this experience will open new doors for me. |
Minerva PauletMajor: Engineering On The NCAS Workshop ExperienceThis NASA opportunity means so much and has been an experience to remember. It has been a pleasure to attend the 4 week online course for NASA. I got so much out of it and learned so much information that I would haven't gotten anywhere else. I chose to do Project 3, designing the rover. STEMtimonialI would recommend STEM at PCCC to high school students, because you will get so much help from the STEM team. They are very active and love lending a hand to students. ReflectionMy future plans haven't changed drastically, but this experience made me rethink my major. I know what it is that I what to do, but there are so many things that I'm interested in. My major is engineering, but choosing from several disciplines is very difficult since they're all interesting. |
Pascual Rosario On Being Selected for the NASA NCAS 2017 ConferenceMy reaction to being selected for a NASA experience was a rush of excitement, followed by a few shouts of, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Afterwards, I alerted the other participants in NCSA from Passaic County Community College, to inform them of the experience. On The NCAS Workshop ExperienceThe experience in NCAS program is a team-building one. We setup up a group chat using the Groupme mobile application to send each other feedback on the modules, and the exams we completed. Along the way, there were online virtual chats from a NASA research center to keep us informed about our assignments. STEMtimonialI would recommend STEM at Passaic County Community College to high school students because there is a solid support structure here at Passaic County Community College. There are clubs for different STEM majors, such as the robotics club and the engineering club. Each club has a mix of different majors where people from each major can contribute to a project.
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Karream SheardMajor: Mechanical Engineering On Being Selected for the NASA NCAS 2017 ConferenceI yelled like I just won the Super Bowl, fist pumped in the air, and teared up a little. On The NCAS Workshop ExperienceMy NCAS experience has been excellent and hard work. My final project was the rover design. STEMtimonialI would definitely recommend STEM to high school students, because you can get a “leg up” on the rest of the world. STEM fields push the world forward and create your own demand. ReflectionThis NCAS opportunity means the world to me. I’m 41, I never expected to be able to go to NASA and have this opportunity. This is mind blowing. I’ve had a little more pep in my step and feel more confident. Thanks to STEM department for your support and putting these opportunities in front of me. You guys are great!!!!!! |
Brandon TrastoyMajor: Computer Information Science On Being Selected for the NASA NCAS 2017 ConferenceBeing selected for the NASA experience is incredible achievement. I’m overjoyed that I was accepted and will not stop at anything to take full advantage of this opportunity. On The NCAS Workshop ExperienceMy experience in the NCAS program so far has been very good. Except for when the actual project was due, the journey to completing the online course was very calm and well-paced. STEMtimonialI would recommend the STEM program to high school students for the sole purpose of opportunities like this. Being able to go to NASA is an opportunity I probably wouldn’t have found on my own. ReflectionThe NCAS opportunity to me means a light at the end of the tunnel. This is an opportunity that most aren’t privileged to even know about, and I was. My acceptance into the program has given me a little more confidence in my own abilities. |