NISA: Empowering Indigenous Youth in STEM and Space Exploration

The National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA) has been turning heads since its launch in March 2023. Born out of a partnership between Monash University and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), NISA is focused on empowering Indigenous Australian students to shoot for the stars in space and other STEM careers, whilst also fostering collaboration throughout the global space industry.?

Since its inception, NISA has successfully facilitated internships for talented Indigenous students at NASA JPL, where they work alongside world-renowned experts and contribute to cutting-edge projects. This hands-on experience allows participants to gain invaluable skills and knowledge, ultimately preparing them for successful careers in STEM fields.

NISA's innovative approach and commitment to fostering Indigenous talent have garnered significant attention both nationally and internationally. The program has partnered with other programs such as the Australian Space Agency, and now the recent addition of CSIRO as a proud partner in 2024. As NISA continues to expand its network, it solidifies its position as a pioneering initiative that empowers Indigenous students to pursue careers in space and STEM fields.

The NISA experience

Each year, NISA offers a life-changing opportunity for Indigenous university students studying STEM disciplines across Australia. This highly-competitive program seeks to empower the next generation of Indigenous leaders in the space industry by providing them with invaluable experience, mentorship and networks that will propel their careers forward.

Selected based on academic merit, they? undertake a 10-week summer internship at NASA's JPL in California – gaining hands-on experience in various areas of space exploration, including robotics, planetary science and mission operations.

Learning from top scientists, engineers and technologists, the students not only bolster their technical skills but are also inspired to become future leaders in the global space industry.

According to Joel Steele, a proud Palawa man and Proteomics Lead Expert at the Monash University Proteomics & Metabolomics Platform who participated in the 2019 pilot program, NISA was instrumental in his job trajectory.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I learned a lot of new skills that have assisted me in my career, in addition to meeting amazing scientists. I was also able to assist in projects outside my subject area of space biology. The highlight was getting to operate the flight simulator used to train astronauts and pilots,” he said in an interview with Space Connect.

“I never imagined it was ever possible for me to work or learn at NASA. This was something so far outside the scope of what I thought was possible.”

NISA has seen remarkable outcomes in a short time span, with interns working on ground-breaking projects at NASA JPL. As the program grows, its reach continues to expand, with an increasing number of Indigenous students benefiting from the opportunities and experiences provided.

In the program's first cohort, the NISA interns contributed to cutting-edge initiatives such as analysing Mars rover data and developing sensors for future space missions. These accomplishments underscore the extraordinary potential of Indigenous students and emphasise the significance of fostering diversity in STEM fields.

Cedar Lett, a 2023 intern, exemplifies the life-changing experiences that NISA offers. “This internship has allowed me to experience and explore avenues of research I never would have imagined I could be a part of. I am excited about the applications of this research in space as well as the betterment of human health in general. I have really enjoyed my JPL internship, and the opportunity to experience California.”

Meet the 2024 interns

The latest cohort of NISA participants was announced in August 2024. Ready to take on the 10- week program, each intern has been paired with mentors at NASA’s JPL to work on different projects.

Among these promising young minds is Carl Goodwin, a proud Gamilaroi man from Brisbane, who is currently completing the Master of Artificial Intelligence at Monash.

His unique expertise in AI and machine learning will undoubtedly play a crucial role as he embarks on analysing spectral data collected by NASA’s Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) mission aboard the International Space Station.

Carl expressed his excitement about the opportunity to work with world-leading space scientists and engage with other like-minded Indigenous people.

“Our People are underrepresented in STEM, and programs like NISA are providing valuable stepping stones for First Nations students in this sector.”

What's next?

By providing students with unique opportunities and fostering international collaboration, NISA is paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in space exploration.

Nyungar, Whadjuk and Ballardong man Professor Christopher Lawrence, Program Lead and Associate Dean (Indigenous) for Monash University’s Faculty of Information Technology and Faculty of Engineering, wants to see the first Indigenous Australian in space.?

“Empowering our Indigenous youth to learn from the best in the world is phenomenal. We dream of NISA one day producing the world’s first Aboriginal astronaut.” - Professor Lawrence

Recently, NISA announced the introduction of the CSIRO as a new partner, supporting the advancement and empowerment of Indigenous STEM researchers through a newly-established scholarship program.

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and are studying a STEM course in Australia, stay tuned to the NISA website for upcoming application announcements.

To learn more about the NISA program, visit: www.monash.edu/it/nisa