The Tribune

TWO Bahamian students can apply for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend a summer at NASA this year. Eight-week summer internships are being offered for two qualifying students to work at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This programme is presented through the Alf Thompson Memorial Scholarship (ATMS). Successful applicants will work with research scientists and engineers from academia, NASA and corporations in the fields of aeronautical studies, biological sciences and/or space-related technology. The internships are being offered to motivated students "in good standing", between the ages of 18 and 23. Scholarship recipients must be enrolled in a recognised college or high school; exceptions may be granted for those within one year of such enrolment. Special consideration will be given to students of limited financial means and to those schooled within the Bahamian education system. Funds will be awarded to cover housing, food and transportation (including round-trip air fare) during the eight-week stay in Florida. The Alf Thompson Memorial Scholarship was initiated in 2011 to honour the passing of Alf Thompson on November 16, 2010, a Bahamian trained in engineering and the sciences. Its aim is to provide Bahamian students the opportunity to experience hands-on research at the Kennedy Space Center in the fields of aeronautical engineering, space-related technology, biological sciences or other similar disciplines The first ATMS award enabled a student from Barretarre, Exuma, Vardo McKenzie, to intern at NASA. Initial funding for the scholarship came from donations to the Bahamas Marine EcoCentre (BME, formerly the Danguillecourt Project) in memory of Alf Thompson. Vardo said for him the internship was life-changing. "When I got accepted as an intern for NASA, I knew I had been given a great opportunity, but the actual internship experience was so much more rewarding than I could possibly have expected," he said. The hands-on training with researchers, scientists and engineers encouraged Vardo to attend college and pursue studies in engineering. "Not only have I had the opportunity to participate as an intern, but I have been able to build relationships with top-level scientists and researchers in the field of space sciences and engineering," he said. "I would highly recommend this programme to other Bahamian students looking to expand their experiences in scientific research." A BME spokesperson said that the success of the first year's ATMS internship with Vardo prompted them to continue, making it an annual opportunity for Bahamian students. As a result, BME, a non-profit organisation promoting awareness and respect for the Bahamian environment, is now offering not one, but two scholarships for this summer. Anyone interested in the ATMS programme, wishing to donate towards it or get a copy of the scholarship application and accompanying information should contact the BME office at telephone number 324-7060 or email info@tropicbirds.org. The deadline for application submissions is February 28. Announcement of awards will be made on April 15.