Community & Business
23 March, 2023
Students shoot for stars at NASA visit
STUDENTS at Mareeba State High School had the opportunity recently to be inspired by Vanessa Zepeda, who is currently working with NASA on the Perseverance rover searching for evidence of life on Mars.
Vanessa has worked with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory where she looked for evidence of life preserved in rocks and meteorites and is currently a junior scientist on the Mars Perseverance Rover mission that is looking for signs of life on Mars.
Organised by the Business Liaison Association, the 30 minute presentation by Ms Zepeda allowed STEM students in grade 9, 10 and 11 to get insight into STEM in university and the pathways it can take you on.
“Vanessa was visiting a number of schools to share her story about her journey from high school, to University and to working with NASA on the Perseverance rover searching for evidence of life on Mars,” head of department for science Jason Richardson said.
“She also explained to the students the science concepts behind her work and gave students advice about STEM pathways after high school.
“Giving regional students the opportunity to hear from working Scientists about the really interesting careers possible in STEM is really important to inform and inspire students to pursue their talents and interests.
“Students were really engaged by Vanessa’s story of growing up and how she ended up working with NASA on the Mars rover."
