NASA beckons for Engineering graduate

Stuart Mead has been shortlisted for the VSSEC-NASA Australian Space Prize

When USQ Mechanical Engineering graduate Stuart Mead was a student he dreamt of a career working with some of the brightest engineering minds in the world.

Little did he know that after only a few short months in the workforce he would be given a once in a lifetime opportunity to realise this dream.

The budding engineer was shortlisted for the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC) - National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) Australian Space Prize, that will allow the winner to spend 10 weeks working with a NASA scientist or engineer as part of the NASA Academy Program in 2010.

Stuart was one of only four graduates Australia-wide to be shortlisted for the prize.

'The prospect of working at NASA is very exciting, as a student I always dreamed of working at the cutting edge of science and engineering and this provides me with that opportunity,' Stuart said.

'It will also allow me to learn new skills and gain important contacts for a future career in space science and engineering.'

Offered to Australian graduates for the first time this year, Stuart was selected as one of the finalists after his submission in the Space Physics and Astrophysics category placed first nation-wide.

'My research project involved a computer program that engineers and scientists use to model how fluids like air and water behave, to design a better and more efficient sand filter which has potential in wastewater treatment.

'Being the winner in this category is a great personal achievement for me and represents the hard work that I put into the project.

'I am also proud to represent the quality research being put out at all levels by the smaller universities in Australia.'

Currently employed at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Stuart will now submit his final application for the prize this week and is hopeful of finding out whether he has been chosen to travel to NASA by the end of the month.

Contact Details:
Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559, 0400 025 429