Imagine gaining hands-on experience in aerospace engineering while working directly with a global leader in space technology. The Boeing Student Development Partnershipmakes this a reality for University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) students, offering them paid, on-site positions at Boeing. Since launching in Fall 2022, over 40 students have participated in this workforce initiative. In early August, Diego Rojas and Jose Ramirez traveled to Huntsville, AL, for a month-long aerospace engineering training program with students from Saudi Arabia.

The program had two phases. In the first phase, students studied advanced architectural design at a Boeing facility in Houston, focusing on lunar and Martian missions with insights from NASA. In the second phase, they worked on real-world projects at a Boeing site in Alabama, including developing a carbon dioxide-removal system for lunar and Martian environments. This experience equipped them with invaluable skills in space technologies and aerospace sciences, preparing them for a future of cutting-edge innovation.

Rojas, a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at UH-Clear Lake, was attracted by the program's convenience and unique courses. His passion for the field began in high school when he built his own computer after years of saving. This experience led him to discover and pursue computer engineering.

As his junior year approached, Rojas looked for practical experience and found the Boeing Student Development opportunity through a flyer. Eager for real-world exposure, he applied, which led to this valuable experience. Rojas explained that the trip to Huntsville began with meeting an engineer from the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems team.

"When he inquired about microcontrollers and discovered that Jose Ramirez and I were well-versed in them, he offered us an exciting opportunity: to travel to Huntsville at the end of July," said Rojas.

With no prior knowledge of Alabama's culture or Boeing operations there, Rojas and Ramirez embraced the chance to learn and explore. Their mission was to teach students how to use microcontrollers and sensors to collect and analyze environmental data.

"In the first two days, we introduced the students to the fundamentals of microcontrollers and their engineering applications. The following days were dedicated to helping them debug code and interface with sensors," said Rojas. "The highlight of the experience was witnessing their excitement as they realized the capabilities of combining different sensors to generate meaningful data."

Additionally, Rojas and Ramirez toured several Boeing facilities, gaining insights into defense, environmental systems, and manufacturing operations. Rojas said the hands-on experience broadened their understanding and solidified their passion for the field.

Since working with Boeing, Rojas has honed skills in FDM 3D printers, Arduino, electronics, and Unreal Engine.

"I work with a lot of mechanical, design, and manufacturing engineers so I am constantly exposed to what they do as well as their processes," said Rojas.

Dr. Natalie Pecknold, executive director of Strategic Partnerships, said the Office of Strategic Partnerships is thrilled that UHCL students in the Boeing Student Development Partnership were selected to participate in this unique international collaborative opportunity.

"Not only are these students gaining technical and hands-on work experience while at Boeing, they are also developing their leadership and communication skills which are critical in today's job market," said Pecknold. "We are proud of Diego and Jose's hard work in the program - they are exemplary UHCL Hawks!"

Rojas believes that UHCL and Boeing are preparing him for a career in engineering because the opportunity the Office of Strategic Partnerships has provided him has allowed him to get his foot in the door in the field.

"Personally, this opportunity has been the highlight of my time at UHCL," said Rojas. "This opportunity let me explore a multitude of fields which allows me to explore my interest, as well as garner some surface-level knowledge on fields I have no experience in."

Rojas also stressed the importance of student internships and shared what helped him get his position at Boeing. He highlighted three key elements: projects, broad basic knowledge, and passion.

"Projects apply and reinforce classroom concepts and are often more enjoyable than studying," said Rojas. "A broad understanding of various subjects shows curiosity and a willingness to learn," he continued. "Passion for creating and bringing ideas to life makes engineering exciting and fulfilling."

For more information about the Office of Strategic Partnerships, visit www.uhcl.edu/strategic-partnerships/.

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