In Spring 2024, the Skyline Chemistry department entered an exciting partnership between NASA and San Jose State University. Through the Astrobiology Scholars Program Immersive Research Experience (ASPIRE), Skyline College students are enabled to contribute to cutting-edge space research. The program, led by San José State University’s Dr. Andro Rios, aims to create greater diversity at NASA by connecting community college and state university students with prestigious NASA research opportunities.
Skyline Student Spotlight: Cesar Meza
Cesar Meza, who recently transferred from Skyline College to SJSU, works alongside NASA scientists Alfonso Davila and Craig Everroad on groundbreaking research about bacterial survival in extreme environments. His work could help scientists understand potential life on places like Saturn’s moon Enceladus, which harbors an ocean beneath its icy surface.
“I always wanted to explore space. I always wanted to see if there’s life beyond Earth,” says Meza, who has impressed his mentors with his drive and scientific curiosity.
Breaking New Ground: Roger Boucher
Fellow Skyline student Roger Boucher is working with NASA Research Scientist George Cooper on analyzing 4.5-billion-year-old meteorites. Their research involves carefully extracting and examining chemicals that could provide clues about the origins of life and its potential existence elsewhere in the universe.
The ASPIRE program impacts students beyond the research lab
ASPIRE students receive:
● Paid summer internships at NASA
● Two years of continued mentorship
● Hands-on research experience
● Professional development opportunities
● Direct involvement in NASA’s mission to understand life’s origins
The program represents a significant step toward making NASA more accessible while providing local students with extraordinary opportunities to contribute to humanity’s understanding of life beyond Earth.
Read more about the ASPIRE program in the SJSU magazine article published earlier this month.
