Meet the Young Indians Making Waves at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory!
Young Innovators from New Zealand Join NASA
New Delhi: Two young Indian talents residing in New Zealand have achieved a remarkable milestone by securing internships at NASA's renowned Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California.
Shivam Desai, a master's student specializing in mechatronics engineering at the University of Auckland, and Taran John, a third-year PhD candidate at Victoria University, were selected as part of a government initiative aimed at providing New Zealand university students with the chance to collaborate with NASA's scientists and engineers.
This international internship program, backed by the New Zealand Space Agency, offers students three-month placements that include hands-on experience with advanced NASA missions at JPL, one of the leading centers for space research globally.
"We are excited to nurture the upcoming generation of innovators in science and space," stated Andrew Johnson, deputy head of the New Zealand Space Agency. He emphasized that this initiative supports the government's vision of cultivating a workforce skilled in aerospace.
Desai, who hails from Ahmedabad in Gujarat, developed a keen interest in space during his high school years.
"My fascination began when I watched a documentary by Neil deGrasse Tyson while studying gravity and orbital dynamics," he shared.
Currently, he is engaged at JPL, focusing on the deployment mechanisms for antenna systems, especially those utilized in small satellites.
Desai, who moved to New Zealand as a child, expressed gratitude to his parents for helping him maintain a connection to his Indian roots.
"We visit India frequently, and I have a large family there," he noted.
Taran John, originally from Kerala and born in Bengaluru, is working at JPL to support sampling efforts on Martian or lunar surfaces. His research aims to enhance the interaction between astronauts and their equipment.
"JPL has been pivotal in numerous significant space milestones. Being here, surrounded by some of the brightest minds, makes you feel the proximity to cutting-edge technology," he remarked.
Having grown up in Lower Hutt, John takes pride in his Indian heritage.
"There's a vibrant Malayali community in Wellington, and being around them has helped me stay connected to my culture," he added.