Teens Experience NASA Explorations Through UCF’s Camp Connect

Story courtesy of Nicholson News, August 2015

Last month, the world watched in awe as the NASA-captured images of Pluto made headlines in the media. Coverage of this historic event highlighted the role of communication in the world of science and technology, a topic that NSC’s Kennedy Space Center liaison, Lisa Malone, knows all too well.

Malone was a guest presenter at UCF’s recently held Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative, Camp Connect, where she gave participants valuable lessons on how to communicate STEM topics while introducing them to NASA programs for Human Space Flight and planetary explorations.

Malone has more than 30 years’ experience at the Kennedy Space Center where she worked in every aspect of public affairs including: spokesperson, television, web, social media, news media, exhibits, speaker’s bureau, government relations, education, Visitor Complex and internal communications. For 15 years, she served as a launch commentator for space shuttle and expendable launch vehicle launches including the Atlas, Delta and other rockets.

“Sharing the space program with students is an opportunity to inspire them to pursue STEM degrees when they also learn about the variety of jobs and skills needed and where they can fit,” Malone said.

UCF’s Camp Connect is a two-level camp targeting 8th-12th grade students interested in STEM careers. The week-long camp held July 13 – 17 was geared toward giving students a more in-depth look at engineering, introducing them to a variety of engineering disciplines including industrial, mechanical, civil, environmental, aerospace and computer science. Campers were also immersed in hands-on engineering integrated activities and were also given tips on how to prepare for college and networking.

The camp was originally intended for students from underrepresented communities within the engineering world, such as females or African-Americans and Hispanics. However, students from all backgrounds are welcome to attend.

To read the original article from Nicholson News, click here.