From building emergency response drones to working on space telescopes, the Base 11 Fellows at Caltech truly did it all this summer.
Students participated in the Aerospace Mentoring Program (AMP), where they got to experience the process of research as part of the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories at Caltech (GALCIT). Each of the four fellows was given a difference project and team to work with, allowing them to diversify and hone their skill sets.
Nathan Sam working on an acrylic model for AAReST.
“I can say that AMP gave me the best summer since I was able to work with amazing minded people and learn many facts and skills that would not have been taught in my college. Besides from working, the experience was fun because AMP allowed me to create long lasting friendships with people who are in my field and people who are not,” said Pasadena College’s Nathan Sam.
The program concluded with each of the fellows presenting their research projects at Caltech’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) Seminar Day, alongside over 230 other research students.
“The most important thing that I’ve gained through this internship was definitely learning how to be an independent student. As a mechanical engineer student, working in groups is the norm but having the skills to work independent can open so many opportunities,” said Nathan.
When asked what sets the Base 11 students apart from every other scholar, Aeronautics Professor Dr. Beverley McKeon said, “How amazing the Base 11 students’ stories are. These are extremely talented students overcoming great odds to succeed.”
And although the students worked on different teams, they all came away with a very valuable experience.
“With this internship, it definitely builds up my confidence in applying to those big industry internships because it now shows them that community college students can keep up with University students,” said Nathan.
Learn more about Base 11’s summer fellowships.