Soaring to new heights

Aug. 27, 2024
Contact: Eric Stann, 573-882-3346, [email protected]
Photos courtesy NASA

University of Missouri student-athletes are proving they excel not only in the athletic arena but also in their chosen fields. This summer, Tigers clinched three of just seven available spots at a prestigious internship program with NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center.

NASA's Student Volunteer Experience is a week-long educational program designed for college students who are unable to participate in traditional summer-long internships because of other commitments.

When Katie Martinez, assistant athletic director for student-athlete career development at Mizzou Athletics, heard about the summer micro-internship, she guided Mizzou Volleyball's Marina Crownover, Mizzou Football's Jack Meyer and Mizzou Soccer's Leah Selm through the competitive application process.

And that support paid off. The opportunity allowed the Tigers to showcase the power of the Missouri Method - Mizzou's philosophy of hands-on learning - as they collaborated with NASA employees, unlocked solutions to real-world problems and explored boundless career possibilities.

Expanding horizons

Through the program, Crownover and Selm worked with some of NASA's integration and vehicle systems engineers, while Meyer delved into government finance within NASA's business office.

"I've always been fascinated by the world of space exploration, so having the chance to participate in this program was a dream come true for me," said Crownover, a junior physics major from Austin, Texas. "Having this hands-on experience at NASA not only enhanced my knowledge and skills in the field of physics, but it also gave me the chance to understand how my knowledge from my classes at Mizzou applies to a real-world setting."

Selm, a senior mechanical engineering major and captain of Mizzou Soccer, said she has always been intrigued by space and interested in math and science.

"As a woman in engineering, I am motivated to push boundaries, create change and drive innovation," said Selm, a St. Louis native. "It was great to have the opportunity to learn from some of NASA's main engineers about what their roles are like, how they interact with each other in the workplace and what types of real-life projects they're collaborating on."

Meyer, a senior finance and banking major, said working in NASA's business office allowed him to gain a better understanding of the different aspects of finance within a government agency.

He said one of the things that has stayed with him since that week was NASA's culture.

"It's like one big family," said Meyer, a native of New Melle, Missouri. "I could see how everyone was excited to go to work every day, and everyone was passionate about their jobs. That makes me want to look for that in a future work environment."

Meyer said NASA's culture reminded him of the team environment at Mizzou Football.

"In Mizzou Football we have a brotherhood," Meyer said. "I feel that extends among the athletes in all sports here at Mizzou. Also, I've had a few meetings with Mizzou grads about career prospects in different industries, and they're all willing to help the next Tigers in line. It makes me look forward to also paying it forward in the future after I graduate."

Crownover, who transferred to Mizzou earlier this year, already feels like she's part of a tight-knit community at Mizzou.

"I haven't been at Mizzou that long, but I feel I can already call on anybody, and they'd be there for me in a time of need," Crownover said. "There is a camaraderie at Mizzou - not just within the athletic community but also within our academic community as well. Everyone wants the best for you, so it's a place that I'm proud to call home while representing the black and gold."

Crownover, Meyer and Selm all credit Martinez's encouragement and support for inspiring each of them to apply for the NASA micro-internship. Martinez is the director of the MOmentum Institute. Started in 2023, it currently serves as Mizzou Athletics' center for student-athlete development.

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