Ever since the Higher Orbit’s Go For Launch! event in 2021, I have had the confidence to explore my passion for aerospace. Team Andromeda’s project was centered around a polyextremophile bacteria called Dienococcus radiodurans that can withstand and thrive an extraordinary amount of radiation. As a self-proclaimed future engineer, I never saw biology as a career interest for me. However, Go For Launch! provided me the unique opportunity to delve into a field that I had very little experience with, as well as get experience conducting thorough research and developing an experiment. Higher Orbit’s program inspired me to continue pursuing interests outside of my comfort zone and developing practical life skills that have assisted me to this day. I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to share my experiences at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) SciTech Conference in Orlando, FL this week!
My experience with my team was extremely rewarding. I knew a few of my team members from outside programs, like Girl Scouts and the Experimental Aircraft Association. This allowed us to get along pretty well. The most challenging and useful part of my Go For Launch experience was collaborating with my team to come up with an acceptable project. We wanted to do something unique but applicable to real-world research. However, one of our team members mentioned doing something with bacteria. I was hesitant at first, but then I thought about the positive academic challenge that would be for me, especially since I had a very small background in biology. Our project ended up requiring extensive research and a pretty complete understanding of D. radiodurans. I’m grateful that we ended up studying this bacteria, as it introduced me deeper into biology and how we can utilize space research to further vaccines and treatments on Earth.
Personally, the practical research experience that comes from the Higher Orbit’s programs is one of the most important parts. I learned more from conducting research and analyzing data than I did at an internship I completed during the summer before my senior year. Especially as I continue as a college student at Rice University, writing for research is very important. I will undoubtedly have to write research papers or academic essays for my university courses, and I have Higher Orbits to thank for allowing me to develop these skills. Go For Launch! challenged me to dig deeper into my team’s research question, ponder scenarios, and come up with solutions. I also was able to hone my editing and revising skills to ensure our paper and poster was the best it could be. I’m incredibly thankful for my Higher Orbit’s experience, as well as the wonderful opportunities that have arisen from it, such as the upcoming AIAA conference. I believe that space education, exposure, and empowerment is essential to showing students a career in the space industry is possible for them.
