Spaceflight and Life Sciences Training Program

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Overview

TENTATIVE Program Dates - subject to change
Students - June 17-July 26, 2002 Counselors - June 10-July 31, 2002

The Spaceflight and Life Sciences Training Program (SLSTP) is an investment in tomorrow. It is an intense, academically challenging, six-week summer program at the KSC in Florida for undergraduate college students interested in learning how to successfully design and conduct biological research and operations in space, and how to assess the environmental impacts of a launch site.

The program emphasizes the unique features of experiments conducted in the space flight environment and the challenges associated with planning and conducting long duration space flight missions and experiments. The curriculum also examines the use of space related technology to study the environmental impacts of the Space Shuttle Program on the ecosystem of KSC. Trainees learn that success in space research requires an integrated team of individuals with diverse knowledge, skills and abilities. Trainees spend the majority of each day actively involved in planning and executing laboratory and engineering projects that span a range of Life Sciences activities of current interest to NASA. The curriculum includes lectures from leading research scientists, managers, engineers and astronauts from NASA centers, universities and industry. Trainees receive tours of the KSC Shuttle and Payload facilities to obtain first-hand knowledge of the processes involved in conducting life science experiments in space.

KSC
KSC’s unique role in space life sciences is interdisciplinary. Biologists and engineers team together in all aspects of life science payload operations. Particular areas include the long-term preservation of the local ecosystem, growing crop plants to sustain life on extended missions and developing and managing experiments and space flight hardware to fly on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station.

Student Eligibility Requirements
Participation in the SLSTP is limited to 24-30 currently enrolled undergraduate college students who meet the following criteria:

U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien*
Age 18 or older
Undergraduates through non-graduating seniors
Minimum freshman year completed at program start
Pursuing a hard science or engineering major
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Enrolled and in good standing at any accredited 2 or 4-year junior college, college, or university and must have at least a 3.0/4.0 GPA.

*Canadian Students may participate through the Canadian Space Agency.
For more information contact the CSA at http://www.space.gc.ca/science/space_science/announce_opp/current/slstp/default.asp

Previous SLSTP participants are not eligible for a second experience.

Trainee Support
Trainees will receive round-trip transportation between their home and the Orlando International Airport, local accommodations and transportation to and from the KSC. Trainees will receive a meal allowance.

Project Counselors
Project Counselor positions are open each year for persons who will assist the trainees in understanding the scientific and technical concepts to which they will be exposed, and to evaluate both the trainees and the program. The Project Counselors will reside with the trainees and assist in curriculum administration, transportation, student activities and counseling. They will be involved with the implementation of the program and provide guidance to trainees on laboratory projects, as well as written and oral reports. They will also act as Resident Assistants where the students are housed. Project Counselors are provided lodging, meals and a salary for their involvement.

Counselor Requirements

U.S. Citizens
M.S. or Ph.D. preferred
Team leader experience
Experience in lab instruction
Available 1 week pre & post session

Project Counselor Support
Project Counselor support includes salary, lodging, meal allowance, vehicle for local transportation and travel to and from KSC.

Student and Project Counselor application materials must be mailed to:

SLSTP Application Office
Tuskegee University
100 Campbell Hall
Tuskegee Inst, Al 36088

with a post-marked date no later than January 31, 2002 and include:

Completed Application
Official Transcript
Concise Essay on Research Background & Career Goals
3 Letters of Reference

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance/non-acceptance no later than March 31, 2002.