NASA launches new program at ISU
A new program has landed at Idaho State University that will give people a chance to get hands-on experience with NASA technology.
ISU’s GIS Training and Research Center was designated as a NASA DEVELOP research node earlier this month, along with seven other regional locations nationwide. The program gives hands-on access to NASA technology, as well as the chance to directly work with ISU professors and NASA scientists.
In the program, participants use NASA’s satellites to conduct rangeland research, with a focus on wildfires at ISU. With this research, they can see how an ecosystem is affected and how it’s functioning.
GIS Director Keith Weber says the research can assist local agencies like the Bureau of Land Management and the Idaho Department of Lands more quickly. Normally, this kind of research could take a year or more to get started.
“If we have a question now that we want answered before — let’s say the next fire season — well we can get it started this summer. May something, June 1, that’s really good,” Weber said.
ISU will be one of two nodes located in the West, but the only one in the Intermountain West.
Students and nonstudents can be a part of the program. If chosen, participants can stay for a term during the fall, spring, summer or even a full year. To apply and see what it takes to be a part of the program, you can go to develop.larc.nasa.gov.
