The National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA) is calling for Indigenous STEM students across Australia to become NASA’s newest interns at their jet propulsion laboratory (JPL). 

Australian students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and are enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in engineering, science, technology, or mathematics have the opportunity to apply for this unique program.  

The five successful applicants will then travel to the United States for a 10-week internship at NASA/JPL in California. 

As part of the program, students will also spend time at Monash University for a ‘space boot camp’ internship preparation program. The program will familiarise the interns with aerodynamics, robotics, astrophysics, planetary science, computer and earth sciences as well as past and current space exploration. 

NISA is led by proud Wadjak/Ballardong Noongar man and Monash University faculty of IT’s inaugural Associate Dean (Indigenous), Professor Christopher Lawrence CompIEAust. 

“Indigenous Australians are the first scientists, engineers, technologists, mathematicians and doctors,” Professor Lawrence says. 

“This is a pathway for Indigenous students to participate in unique NASA and JPL projects such as robotics for the unexplored ocean worlds, robot perception control, artificial intelligence and path planning as well as satellites.” 

“We share a vision with the Australian Space Agency to foster career development for First Nations people in the space sector with the ultimate goal to see the first ever Indigenous Australian astronaut,” he says.  

To be held during 2023, the internships will see students mentored by experts from NASA while working on unique projects. Expressions of interest now open.