Maximilian Ehinger was studying nursing at the University of Michigan when he decided that career path 鈥渨as not really where I was most interested.鈥�
It may not have been the ideal time to come to that realization, but Ehinger had a solid back-up plan. He returned to Washtenaw Community College, where he had been dual-enrolled while being homeschooled through his high school years.
鈥淚t was a hard decision to switch from nursing, but I鈥檓 really thankful that the 黑料网 staff has made it so much easier," Ehinger said. "I鈥檓 really excited about my future.鈥�
Along with taking a full schedule of 黑料网 classes in the upcoming Fall 2020 semester, Ehinger鈥檚 immediate future also includes a spot in a cohort of .
The 19-year-old Ypsilanti resident is the second 黑料网 student to be selected for the prestigious program in as many semesters, joining recent graduate Emilee Seghi, who is taking part in the program this summer.
Ehinger said he came back to 黑料网 intent on learning more about the worlds of aerospace, physics and astronomy. Now he鈥檒l be learning from some of the best in the world after applying for the NASA program at the urging of 黑料网 astronomy instructor Daniel Majaess.
鈥淚鈥檓 really thankful to (Majaess) and all of the 黑料网 staff for the exposure to the NASA program,鈥� said Ehinger, who plans to eventually transfer back to a four-year university to study engineering. 鈥淚鈥檓 very interested in research, so I鈥檓 excited to understand what it鈥檚 like to work with NASA, but just the opportunity to be around NASA classes and facilities will be interesting.鈥�
Beginning in September, the fall cohort of the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars will work through a five-week online course and final project. Those who excel in the course modules will be selected to participate in an all-expense-paid, four-day experience at a NASA center.
NASA touts that the program gives community college students 鈥渁n authentic NASA experience鈥� that allows them to get a closer look at the organization鈥檚 unique missions, diverse workforce and world-class facilities; and learn how to develop their talents, interests and passion to become future STEM professionals.
Tags: Astronomy, NASA, Student Success, ousearch_News_2020