Enhancing Higher Education Science & Technology

Paper number

IAC-06-E1.5.01

Author

Mr. Jefferey Cardenas, Universities Space Research Association, United States

Year

2006

Abstract

The development and successful implementation of hands-on, student-based learning experiences and projects has become more and more critical in the U.S. as part of current efforts and initiatives to address not only the formal education of the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technologists, but also in the practical training of these future professionals. This aspect has become increasingly essential in preparation to enter the workforce and contribute to the scientific, technical, and economic strength of the country. These projects serve to integrate classroom education with real-life science and engineering research topics. There are several past programs and on-going examples of approaches and initiatives in this area, and this paper will review and discuss lessons learned, how they are currently applied, and results from such activities.

In particular, the NASA LaRC RASC-Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) Program (established in 2003) will be examined as an example initiative implemented to engage and inspire students and faculty in the NASA Vision for Space Exploration – based on application of ‘best practices’ and lessons in higher education and outreach.. Previous programs such as the NASA Advanced Design Program (ADP), the NASA Student Explorer Demonstration Initiative (STEDI), the NASA Human Exploration and Development of Space – University Program (HEDS-UP) have all contributed to current knowledge and practice in this area, and the RASC-AL Program represents a culmination of these experiences

The RASC-AL Program provides for the free flow of information, ideas, and concepts between the NASA RASC activities and initiatives, and the University research and education community.  As such, RASC-AL Program objectives have been established as follows:
•	To provide the opportunities for universities, faculty, and students to interact with the RASC Program and NASA Exploration Systems through collaboration on space exploration research and design problems relevant to NASA and the aerospace community;
•	To migrate and disseminate concepts and data from the RASC-AL into NASA RASC and Exploration program planning and implementation;
•	To develop and nurture the relationships between universities and NASA that could lead to additional opportunities for student participation in other NASA student research programs;
•	To demonstrate the leverage of existing and potential university-NASA-Industry relationships.

Abstract document

IAC-06-E1.5.01.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-E1.5.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.