On April 29, Hostos’ campus welcomed five NASA engineers who engages with students, faculty and staff.
The visit further accented Hostos’ commitment to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) offerings and inspired everyone who attended what was called “NASA Day: Students Looking Into Their Future II” on campus.
Interim President David Gómez welcomed the special guests at a morning reception. NASA scientists spent the rest of the day interacting with STEM faculty, addressing students and touring the campus.
Dr. Nieves Angulo, a full professor in the Mathematics Department and Coordinator of Engineering Program in the Mathematics Department at Hostos, said the experience was hugely important for students interested in STEM.
“Hostos students are able to talk and share their aspirations with people that represent a new generation of explorers in the modern world,” Dr. Angulo said. “Students realize they can be part of this generation of explorers if they persist and continue their academic studies. Barriers are removed and dreams turn into realities. Our STEM students excel and become empowered when they enter internships at NASA.”
Since 2010, 10 Hostos students have benefitted from internships at NASA, either at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, or the Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York City.
The engineers who visited from both the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. and the NASA/ Kennedy Space Center were:
Notlim Burgos (Aerospace Engineer) Structural and Mechanical Design Branch, NASA/ Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL.
Karen A. Cunningham (Electrical Power Chief Engineer) Systems Department Electrical Power Branch, NASA/ Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL.
Charles Wingard (Aerospace Technologist for Polymeric Materials) NASA/ Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL.
Armando Oliu (Technical Integration Manager), Human Resources Office, NASA/ Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
Monserrate C. Roman (Project Manager/ECLSS Chief Microbiologist), Life Support and Habitation System, NASA/ Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL.
About Hostos Community College
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change that has been transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities since 1968. It serves as a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, as well as a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs. The College’s unique "Student Success Coaching Unit" provides students with individualized guidance and exemplifies its emphasis on student support services.
Recently named one of the top 10 finalists for the 2015 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Hostos offers 27 associate degree programs and two certificate programs that facilitate easy transfer to The City University of New York’s (CUNY) four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. The College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. Hostos is part of CUNY, the nation’s leading urban public university, which serves more than 500,000 students at 24 colleges.