Intern research may advance AF technologies

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  For many, paving their way to prospective careers is often pebbled with summer jobs and non-paying internships. A select few, however, recently had the chance of a lifetime to work with military scientists and help put their mark on future technologies.

Three top student interns visited the Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate at Eglin for ten weeks, to work on various projects that will be seen in the future as technological advances.

Justin Lee of Tuskegee University, Ala., Jordan Harrison, from North Carolina Agriculture and Technology State University and Justin Samuel a chemical engineering student from Prairie View A&M University, Texas, were matched to certain projects based on their areas of study.

"I was selected to perform my project based on Aerospace Engineering skills such as proficiency in Lab view and Mat Lab (software)," said Mr. Lee. "These skills helped me perform my job to its fullest potential."

The work required learning a large volume of technological material to effectively conduct their mission.

"For my internship I had to learn how to manipulate the animation software Auto Desk Maya," said Mr. Lee. "This software was introduced to the University of Florida and Air Force Research Laboratory for the very first time. After familiarizing myself with it I had to digitize the movements of two butterflies recorded with high speed cameras calibrated at a rate of 200 frames per second."

"I left Eglin with the experience of learning new software techniques that were introduced to me for the first time," said Mr. Lee.

Mr. Harrison is a mechanical engineering student who helped design and build a test stand to gauge the efficiency of propellers using load cells measuring thrust and torque. He also used design software to draw and help redesign micro air vehicles.

"I did some cool stuff, but my favorite part was seeing my designs become reality," said Mr. Harrison, an Athens, Ga., native.

"My supervisor, Dr. Michael Lindsay, placed me on a project, called the Helium Droplet Program. I was responsible for developing a data acquisition program to save files for later reference. I was also able to take part in the structural design of the helium droplet apparatus as a side project," explained Mr. Samuel.

Though the work they completed was consuming, the student interns still managed to enjoy Eglin's state-of-the-art facilities.

"Of course the beach was a plus, but I also enjoyed some of the on-base amenities," said Mr. Harrison. "This summer was my first time on a military base, and it was an experience in itself learning the rules, seeing the different sights and just driving."

"I really enjoyed the ability to access stores and the gymnasium without having to travel far distances as well as the positive attitudes people had in assisting with work," Mr. Lee agreed.

In order to possess the skills and determination required to become successful in the engineering career field, the path the student interns have taken has led them through adversity.

"The biggest problem I faced in was peoples' inability to communicate," said Mr. Lee. "I had to learn to speak candidly and respectfully with people and I found that people often respect you for it."

Sometimes for the visiting interns it wasn't the people or workload that they found difficult but, rather simply maintaining homeostasis.

"Finding that balance between my workload, membership in various organizations and personal life seems to be one of the hardest parts of accomplishing my goals," said Mr. Harrison

The student interns left returned to campus to continue their education and accomplish their future engineering degrees.

"I will be graduating with a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering in May 2009," said Mr. Lee. "From there I want to pursue a Master's degree in materials science. A personal goal of mine is to open a chain of recreation centers for children to give them opportunities to do something positive."

Not many people have the chance to work with military scientists and help put their mark on future technologies. These student interns now have an experience that will only bolster their engineering careers.