MU-SPIN is Looking for Mission Support

The Minority University-Space Interdisciplinary Network (MU-SPIN) is a premiere NASA education outreach project. Since its inception in 1990, MU-SPIN has had a significant impact on minority (African-American, Hispanic, and Native American) colleges, universities, and K-12 schools by providing network connectivity, the latest technology for computer labs, and training; and involving the minority institutions in Space and Earth Science research and education applications.

MU-SPIN's current thrust is focused on getting faculty and students at minority institutions involved in future space missions at the ground level. The first such opportunity is now available, as a result of MU-SPIN's membership on the MESSENGER Project. MU-SPIN currently has tasks for students to work on.

To ensure the success of this effort, MU-SPIN needs to identify people who are interested in being matrixed part time to work on this educational outreach project. Responsibilities will include:

• Applying NASA mission oriented expertise and experience to assist students at or from minority institutions
• Interfacing with MESSENGER engineers, to provide clarification and guidance for the students
• Interacting with the students or faculty to track progress
• Consulting with the MU-SPIN Project

Anyone interested in this opportunity should contact Valerie L. Thomas, MU-SPIN Research and Education Outreach Coordinator, at vthomas@muspin.gsfc.nasa.gov or on 6-0195.

For more information about MU-SPIN, visit the website at: http://muspin.gsfc.nasa.gov