Goddard Space Flight Center
– Astronomy of Titan at Sub-Millimeter Wavelengths
June 6, 2022 – August 12, 2022
Final Goals of your project/s:
My goals are to learn how to work with a team in a research setting to strengthen their research skills, their communication skills, and learn about working at NASA.
Describe what you did during the internship:
I learned how to analyze spectroscopic data by reviewing different coding routines that are used for this type of analysis, learning how to use CASA (Common Astronomy Science Application), learning how to plot output data, and learning how to interpret results from the imaging stage. I learned about NASA by attending information sessions about the different organizations, talking to members of my research team about their experiences, and talking with my mentor about my next steps in pursuing a career at NASA. I learned Titan science by reading various papers on Titan’s atmosphere, talking with the research team about how my project is related to Titan, and using the data analysis skills learned and apply them to Titan science.
Did you achieve your goals? What were the results?:
Yes, I achieved my goals. As a result of my hard work with this internship, I was offered an internship this fall with the team through CRESST II. After I graduate, I was offered a permanent position for 1-2 years as a postbac researcher with the team through CRESST II.
Describe positive lessons learned:
I learned a lot about how to hold yourself accountable in a flexible work environment. I learned how to manage my time when working on research project. I also learned about the science process, and how to improve my skills as a researcher.
Describe negative lessons learned:
I had some difficulties with using the NASA ESO loaner laptop, but other than that, I had a great experience overall!