Spotlight   |   Spring 2004

Mission to Mars

Purdue competed against several other top research institutions to secure the $10-million, 5-year NASA grant, which established the center in 2002. The grant is a confirmation of Purdue's strong base in science and engineering research, says Dave Kotterman, ALS-NSCORT operations manager. “Purdue provides fertile ground for the center, given our strong background in science, engineering and systems modeling,” he says. “Having the center associated with Purdue's Discovery Park was also a very attractive setup from NASA's point of view.”

Another NASA priority in establishing the center at Purdue was to ensure that ALS-NSCORT provides outreach and education opportunities to the K-12 school community. To meet that goal, Julia Hains-Allen, ALS-NSCORT outreach coordinator, has been working with public schools in both Lafayette and Indianapolis to bring the science of NSCORT to the classroom as the first steps in developing a curriculum for schools around the country. Through her program, students have the opportunity to visit NSCORT labs on Purdue's campus, interact with faculty and graduate students, and conduct research in their own classrooms. “Lack of exposure is three-quarters of the reason why students don't see the excitement in science, engineering and technology,” Hains-Allen says. “This program is an opportunity for students to see and do some exciting things.”

Related links:

College of Agriculture

School of Engineering

NASA Mars Exploration Program

NASA