FEATURE (continued)
Getting His Hands on the Future Aerospace Engineering major John Yonkauske (’24) also worked at NASA Langley, and he credited the hands-on projects at Embry-Riddle for opening the door to even greater opportunities at NASA. As a research intern, Yonkauske investigated the electromechanical properties and space applications of nanotube-polymer composite materials. “I love having access to every different kind of lab or instrument I need onsite, and being able to observe the other cool facilities on-site that don’t necessarily apply to my particular project,” he added. “My favorite thing so far has been meeting my fellow interns and mentors who have done, are doing and will continue to do so many amazing things and cutting-edge scientific research.” An Additive Experience Sam Leblanc, a Ph.D. candidate in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science who already has 10 years of experience in the additive manufacturing industry, spent the summer as an intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. “The goal of the internship is to combine my background and area of research with composite materials to ultimately create Metasurface Antennas on composites through advanced manufacturing techniques for space missions,” said Leblanc. “Also, while here, I have presented to multiple groups within JPL to introduce the concept of 3D printed electronics, as it is still a relatively unknown concept.” Additive manufacturing could play a key role in the Artemis missions, given the adaptability and lightweight nature of 3D printed materials, and electronics are just one of the things Leblanc has already built from 3D printed parts. Dr. Eduardo Rojas, associate professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Leblanc’s advisor, said these key internships give Embry-Riddle students hands-on experience alongside world-class space professionals, which better position them for future job opportunities.
The materials science research I’m currently doing at NASA has a lot of similarities to the materials testing I was learning about and doing through undergraduate research.”
John Yonkauske ’24 Aerospace Engineering
15 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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