Students Receive Grant Funding From Utah NASA Space Grant Consortium

Three Utah State University engineering students were awarded funding on behalf of the Utah Space Grant Consortium for internships this past summer.

Adam Weaver, a recent graduate student at USU studying mechanical engineering with an emphasis in aerospace engineering, and Payton Taylor, a senior also studying mechanical engineering with an emphasis in aerospace engineering, received $6,200 each for their internships at Northrop Grumman. They worked in the propulsion systems department for four months.

“I was very thankful for this opportunity and excited that I was a recipient,” Weaver said. “The internship was a great experience.”

In addition to Weaver and Taylor, Bryan Gricius, who also graduated with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, received funding for his internship at the Space Dynamics Laboratory as an opto-mechanical engineering intern. His job was to assist in the development and construction of a space telescope.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship at SDL was working with an exceptional team,” Gricius said. “I had the privilege of collaborating with knowledgeable and passionate professionals who were not only experts in their respective fields but also eager to share their insights and offer mentorship.”

Altogether, six summer interns were supported by the organization: two at Northrup Grumman, two at SDL, one at NASA Ames and one at NASA Marshall. Three were from USU.

The Utah NASA Space Grant Consortium has a network of 20 affiliates dedicated to promoting NASA STEM research and education. The funding they provide creates innovative opportunities for Utah students and faculty to contribute to NASA’s endeavors and promote space-based research.

More information can be found at https://www.utahspacegrant.com/about/.