How a Mentor at NASA's Johnson Space Center Shapes Future Aerospace Talent

A Rice University student interning at NASA's Johnson Space Center has shared insights into how guidance and mentorship from an agency engineer have impacted her early career development in aerospace.

Malvika Bhardwaj, a computational and applied mathematics student at Rice University, completed an internship with the Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C) team at Johnson. Her mentor, Daniel Cohen, is a GN&C engineer at the center and a Rice alumnus who began his own journey at NASA through internships starting in 2020 before transitioning to a full-time engineering role in August 2024.

Practical Experience and Contributions

During her internship through NASA's Office of STEM Engagement, Bhardwaj contributed to agency projects while acquiring technical skills and hands-on engineering experience:

• Developed software tools from scratch to analyze thruster firings for the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle, which is intended to support the safe deorbit of the International Space Station at the conclusion of its operational life.
• Utilized computer simulations to test control systems and examine potential failure conditions.
• Collaborated with peers across different disciplines, including outreach, digital design, and social media, broadening her understanding of various career paths within the STEM fields.

Mentorship and Professional Growth

Cohen dedicated time each week to instruct interns on fundamental aerospace concepts, including control systems and orbital mechanics. He also involved Bhardwaj in team discussions and meetings, helping her understand workplace culture and collaborative problem-solving.

Bhardwaj noted that her internship demonstrated how complex engineering challenges require diverse perspectives and teamwork rather than individual effort. She encourages other students interested in aerospace careers to apply for NASA internships even if they feel uncertain about their preparation, emphasizing that significant learning occurs on the job.

Verification and Further Information

Readers can learn more about NASA student programs and career opportunities by visiting the official NASA Office of STEM Engagement website or checking announcements related to Johnson Space Center educational outreach initiatives.