2008 NASA Robotics Academy

[RoboMom]

2008 NASA Robotics Academy: Founded in 2005, the NASA Robotics Academy is a 10-week residential summer internship for students specifically interested in robotics. Students who participated in FIRST Robotics, VEX, Botball, BEST or have taken active interest in robotics in demonstrable ways are given priority. Participants are assigned to a team project developed by NASA, local industry, or an academic institution. In addition to direct guidance from a Principle Investigator (PI) who sponsors the team, an advanced robotics student is assigned as Team Lead to guide the interns and manage the project on a daily basis. The interns, called Research Associates (RAs), also participate in enriching activities such as a group project, lectures, field trips, and meetings with leaders in the field along with Team Leads, program staff and Academic Dean. RAs are rising college freshmen and sophomores. Team Leads are advanced undergraduate or graduate students with a curricular focus in robotics. RAs and Team Leads are selected based on: excellence in academic performance; demonstrated prior involvement in robotics; and propensity for teamwork. In 2008, Robotics Academies will be offered at Ames, Goddard and Marshall. A program brochure can be found at: http://robotics.gsfc.nasa.gov/brochure.pdf

How to apply: Applicants create a new account to begin the application process, which ends at 5pm on January 15, 2008. Everything is done online (resume, transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.). The system is user friendly as it lets applicants know the "% complete" and what sections remain to be completed. Applicants can take as long as they like between now and the 1/15/08 deadline. They should also inform the two people they select to provide letters of recommendation on their behalf BEFORE entering their names and email addresses in the application. Once entered, the system automatically generates a request and emails it to the individuals serving as references. Applicants are strongly recommended to contact their respective state space grant consortia to let them know they are applying for the NASA Robotics Academy (or other). Space Grants generally offer a $4000 stipend to students they endorse who are selected. For any questions, call 301-286-0904.

The url for the online application is:

https://university.gsfc.nasa.gov/application/

[Pavan Dave]

This is a great modivation to keep my grades up next year! NASA's robots kick butt!

[Greg Marra]

Hey neat, that brochure quotes someone I go to school with.

The program is only for rising Freshmen and Sophomores, and next year I will be a junior (ahh scary!)

I wish I had known about this the summer after my Senior year of High School!

[jgannon]

Originally Posted by Greg Marra

The program is only for rising Freshmen and Sophomores, and next year I will be a junior (ahh scary!)

From the brochure:

Team Leads: Junior/senior undergraduates or graduate students

Not only are you eligible, but you could get to be in charge!

[sanddrag]

Has anyone here done this before? Specifically at Ames? Can you explain it a bit more? Where do you live?

[Cory]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

Has anyone here done this before? Specifically at Ames? Can you explain it a bit more? Where do you live?

Specifically at Ames you live at the base lodge. It's pretty much your average cheap hotel.