NASA Boosts Students Toward Outer Space
Editor's Note: This is the second article in a series about the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Jerry Kern, UDK reporter, explores NASA's traineeship program at KU.
By Jerry Kern
America's foremost space exploration organization is training men and women in space research in universities across the nation including KU.
Although it hurts military men into space the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent civilian government agency.
ITS MISSION INCLUDES all matters pertaining to the civilian space and aeronautical research activities of the nation. Its work includes basic and applied research for expansion of human knowledge of phenomena in the atmosphere and in space. NASA works to improve the usefulness, performance, speed, safety, and efficiency of aeronautical and space vehicles.
It must work toward the development and operation of vehicles capable of carrying instruments, equipment, supplies and living organisms through space.
It also must preserve the role of the United States as a leader in aeronautical and space activities within and outside the atmosphere.
To accomplish all this, NASA makes use of several research programs. One major approach was discussed in the preceding article of this series: contracted research grants. Another approach is through NASA's Traineeship program.
NASA IS ACTIVE in both programs at KU. The traineeship program is just as necessary to developments in space technology as contracted research programs which serve NASA directly.
All branches of industry connected with the space sciences must have capable and qualified men and women to meet the challenges of the space age. NASA's traineeship program allows such men and women to educate themselves to enable them to meet such challenges.
NASA'S TRAINEESHP program began at KU in 1963. There were eight men in the first class of trainees. This being the third year of the program at KU, there are now three classes. With eight more added last year and 10 this year, there are now 26 NASA trainees in eight departments.
NASA provided the first class with $143,300; the second class with $143,000; and this year's class with $178,500—an average of $17,850 a student this year, according to W. J. Argersinger, associate dean of faculties in charge of research.
NASA GIVES the money to KU
with the stipulation that it be used for graduate students working for their doctorate degrees in one of the space sciences. KU's Committee on Space Science chooses students for traineeships.
Argersinger pointed out that no work or any kind of research is required of the trainees by NASA. There is no contact between the student and NASA. The students have no obligations to NASA. The purpose is to help students complete their doctorates in one of the space sciences.
The program provides first-year trainees with $2,400 the first year. Trainees receive $2,600 the second year, and third-year trainees receive $2,800. Four hundred dollars is added for each dependent. A maximum of $3,400 is set for all three classes, Argersinger said.
ARGERSINGER EXPLAINED that the money for these trainees is for tuition, books, and other costs of education. No profit is made. In fact, this money does not quite cover the total cost, he said.
The Committee on Space Science chooses the trainees so different fields are represented.
Gerald Barr, Kansas City graduate student, is majoring in solids and dynamics in the engineering mechanics department. He began his traineeship last year, and works for McDonnell Aircraft.
"I HAVE BEEN an engineer for four years with McDonnell and have worked on NASA contracts in industry. I have no contact with NASA. They put me under no obligation." he said.
David Schinke, St. Louis third-year graduate, is majoring in physics. He began his traineeship in the fall of 1963, and is now in the final year of the program.
"I originally applied for an assistantship, but the chairman of my department entered my name in this program. I was chosen as one of the trainees which was really a stroke of luck. I am quite pleased with the program because it allows me to carry a full load of courses without any obligation," he said.
SCHINKE SAYS the committee probably considers a student's undergraduate record and his scores on the National Merit tests when choosing a NASA trainee.
John Stephens, Wellsville first-year graduate student, is studying in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He began his traineeship this fall, and says he has been expected to do nothing but carry out his normal class work.
OF THE 26 trainees at KU, only one is a woman. She is Jean Blair, first-year graduate from West Virginia University. She is studying in the Chemistry Department.
NASA's traineeship program at KU is a sizeable one. Argersinger does not expect any substantial increase in the amount of money or number of trainees within the next year. He pointed out, however, that the program will increase as KU's space program expands.
6 Daily Kansan Tuesday, October 26, 1965
'Little Sisters' Help Fraternity
"Adelphi" meaning "little sisters" in Greek, is the name of the newly organized service organization of Theta Chi fraternity wives, fiances, and pinnates.
The organization was started three weeks ago by Mrs. G. Allen Bass whose husband is a KU senior majoring in political sciene.
"WE NOW HAVE EIGHT members and will soon begin rushing Theta Chi pinmates," she said.
(He'll be here Oct. 30 at 8:00 p.m. in Allen Field House)
(You can get tickets at the Information Booth, the Union, and Bell's Record
Shop through Friday, Oct.29th, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Maximum: 20 tickets per person
All of Robert Goulet's Albums on Columbia Available At Weaver's Complete Record Department 901 Massachusetts
图 2-14 圆锥柱结构图