December 2006, Issue #53

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Letter from JETS
The holidays bring light and good cheer into our lives during the darkest days of the year. As the winter solstice approaches, our eyes are drawn toward the skies and the wonder of the universe around us. What a perfect time to explore the engineering discipline that is furthering our knowledge of our galaxy and designing the vehicles that makes it possible for so many families to gather from far away to enjoy these festive days together. We’re talking about aerospace engineering, of course. More ...

Coaches Corner — Resources for Educators
Applications are NOW being accepted for the Next Generation Scholarship Fund! Students: Thinking about a career in engineering? Maybe you’re thinking about getting a degree in chemical, electrical, mechanical, materials, or nuclear engineering. Did you know that with any of those degrees you can pursue a career in the power industry? . More ...

Feature Story: Aerospace Engineering
Even the sky is not a limit in aerospace engineering. Today's aerospace engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturer of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They are working to make space colonization a reality and reduce the time needed to travel around the world. More ...

Engineering Pathway
This month's two lessons and activity provide the opportunity for students to learn about the importance of robotics in aerospace engineering applications. The Red Rover Robotics lesson provides a brief history of robotics technology and the use of robots in space. Next, the Come On Over Rover lesson provides an introduction to the advanced manufacturing techniques required to develop robots for space exploration. More ...

Extreme Engineers
Profile: Shawn Warren, Aerospace Engineer, GE Aviation
Shawn's interest in engineering dates back to middle school when his mother signed him up for a week-long engineering program for minorities at Clarkson University in Pottsdam, NY. "It was one of those great programs where you build bridges and participate in team building exercises," Shawn recalls. More ...

Profile: Heather Paul, Project Manager for Space Station EVA Tools Johnson Space Center
Heather was always drawing the solar system in school. She wanted to be an astronaut so she worked hard to hone her math and science skills. In addition to encouragement from her 8th grade science teacher, her mom was very supportive and really pushed her to get good grades. But Heather also loved liberal arts and dancing. More ...

Hot Topics
This month's hot topic comes from the University of Washington and focuses on capturing particles of a comet. More ...

JETS Affiliates help increase awareness of and interest in engineering and technology-based careers to pre-college students, parents, teachers, and school counselors. Click here for a list of JETS Affiliates. To fit your organization's needs, JETS has created several ways to become a JETS Affiliate. To learn more about how your organization can participate as a JETS Affiliate and help JETS inform and excite young people about engineering careers click here.

This newsletter is a publication of JETS. JETS opens the world of engineering and technology to students, parents, and educators by providing career guidance and through programs and resources that illustrate real-life teamwork and problem solving skills.

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