Emirati NASA interns promote science, tech

posted on 21/11/2011: 110 views

UAE NASA interns are leading the way again, this time launching the first overseas alumni organisation for NASA research/education associates. The UAE NASA Research Fellows Alumni Organisation (UNRFAO) will add a greater global dimension to a network of over 1,800 US intern alumni.

The mission of the new organisation will be to utilise their practical work experiences at NASA and education gained from UAE university studies to motivate the younger generation of Emiratis toward the study of science, technology and engineering and pursuit of dynamic careers in key UAE industries. Schools roadshows, other types of public outreach and efforts toward including UAE students in NASA related projects and contests in-country will be focus areas.

As role models for aspiring UAE youth, the research fellows, 11 of whom were sponsored in the inaugural year by Mubadala Aerospace, and who have or will soon be entering their professional careers, believe that by serving as ambassadors for the "innovation economy,” they are best able to share insights and dynamism with professionals across many complementary and core UAE industries and hope to form a stronger link between business professionals, government and academia regionally.

The NASA UAE internship programme was the first of its kind for non-US citizens, created and delivered by UAE's Arab Youth Venture Foundation (AYVF) and NASA Ames Research Centre under the region's only such official agreement for education with NASA, the USA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Lisa LaBonte, CEO of AYVF, said "the Alumni association will provide a venue for exchange in which the UAE stars who've interned at NASA will connect and network to share experiences, industry contacts, and keep current on leading edge science and engineering methods and global best practices.” – The Gulf Today

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