Spring Break
Coffee Break with NASA top official for OSU
Robert Peckyno was one of ten college students selected nationally to visit NASA HQ
Brittney Menard
Issue date: 5/2/08 Section: News
Coffee with the head of NASA?
In Washington, D.C.?
OSU Ph.D. student Robert Peckyno was given the honor of a coffee break with NASA administrator Mike Griffin at the national NASA headquarters.
Only 10 college candidates from around the U.S. were chosen to share in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
This unique occasion served as a way for interested students to ask questions in a casual, informal conduct.
"Dr. Griffin was very personable and took a variety of questions about NASA's programs and direction, as well as the benefits and political constraints of being the administrator," Peckyno said.
This event, and others like it, serve to inform and support the next generation of space explorers.
"As NASA finishes construction of the International Space Station and begins planning a return to the Moon and - soon after - Mars, it is our generation that will be making that trip," Peckyno said.
Now is the time to get involved.
"For those that are interested in space, there are a lot of opportunities to get involved now and help to literally invent the future," Peckyno said.
The Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium helps make these expeditions for students possible.
Oregon State University is the leader of OSGC for all education systems in the state of Oregon, with offices located directly on the OSU campus.
One of 52 members of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, this organization assists in funding students of all ages in the conquest to seek education opportunities outside the classroom.
"Students can offer new outside perspectives," said Joanne Chan, a post baccalaureate geology major.
The OSGC offers internships and scholarships while providing students like Peckyno the chance to seek out professionals who already work in the aerospace industry.
"We promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) research," said Catherine Lanier, a representative for the OSGC.
This Program not only offers exclusive events such as "Coffee with the Administrators," but also helps to connect students with local professors and professionals in the field of study to gain hands on experience and exposure to the field.
"We want students who are focused on aerospace and STEM education to have the opportunities to get involved, by working directly with NASA scientists to increase their knowledge," Lanier said.
Brittney Menard, staff writer
news@dailyabrometer.com, 737-2231
In Washington, D.C.?
OSU Ph.D. student Robert Peckyno was given the honor of a coffee break with NASA administrator Mike Griffin at the national NASA headquarters.
Only 10 college candidates from around the U.S. were chosen to share in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
This unique occasion served as a way for interested students to ask questions in a casual, informal conduct.
"Dr. Griffin was very personable and took a variety of questions about NASA's programs and direction, as well as the benefits and political constraints of being the administrator," Peckyno said.
This event, and others like it, serve to inform and support the next generation of space explorers.
"As NASA finishes construction of the International Space Station and begins planning a return to the Moon and - soon after - Mars, it is our generation that will be making that trip," Peckyno said.
Now is the time to get involved.
"For those that are interested in space, there are a lot of opportunities to get involved now and help to literally invent the future," Peckyno said.
The Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium helps make these expeditions for students possible.
Oregon State University is the leader of OSGC for all education systems in the state of Oregon, with offices located directly on the OSU campus.
One of 52 members of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, this organization assists in funding students of all ages in the conquest to seek education opportunities outside the classroom.
"Students can offer new outside perspectives," said Joanne Chan, a post baccalaureate geology major.
The OSGC offers internships and scholarships while providing students like Peckyno the chance to seek out professionals who already work in the aerospace industry.
"We promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) research," said Catherine Lanier, a representative for the OSGC.
This Program not only offers exclusive events such as "Coffee with the Administrators," but also helps to connect students with local professors and professionals in the field of study to gain hands on experience and exposure to the field.
"We want students who are focused on aerospace and STEM education to have the opportunities to get involved, by working directly with NASA scientists to increase their knowledge," Lanier said.
Brittney Menard, staff writer
news@dailyabrometer.com, 737-2231
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