History of the NASA Academy Alumni Association

The NASA Academy

In 1992, the NASA Academy was just an idea brewing in the mind of Dr. Gerald Soffen. His goal was to get quality students involved in a space agency that was in severe need of a transfusion of "fresh blood". Over 300 students at four NASA Centers, (Goddard, Marshall, Ames and Dryden) have been through what the vast majority of them will tell you was the most intense, exciting, educational, and rewarding ten weeks of their lives. In many cases, the experience did not end with the close of the summer; it is still living, breathing, and maturing in the students who have had the opportunity to participate. Because, for most of us, this program has changed our lives, the alumni have decided to officially establish the NASA Academy Alumni Association.

The following pages will give you a glimpse into the lasting impact the NASA Academy has had on its research associates, their universities, NASA Space Grant, and the Space industry in general. The Alumni Association looks forward to working with NASA and Space Grant to futher enhance the Academy experience for all involved.

The Goddard Space Flight Center Academyfor Earth and Space Sciences and Technology Development

The Ames Research Center Academyfor Astrobiology

The Dryden Flight Research Center Academyfor Aeronautics

Neurolab crew members sporting NASA Ames Astrobiology Academy T-shirts in space.