Students Embark on NASA Research Internships

Two students in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics at the University of Minnesota are preparing for an unforgettable summer as interns at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California. Graham Larson and Frederick Rye, both members of the Stochastic Hypersonics Research Group under Assistant Professor Anabel del Val, will spend 10 weeks working on important research that could shape the future of space exploration.

Graham Larson began his academic journey in mechanical engineering at NDSU but quickly pivoted toward aerospace after realizing his true interest lay in rocket technology and flight. “Planes are just cool,” he laughs. Drawn by the University of Minnesota's reputation in aerospace research and its collaborations with NASA, Larson found a perfect fit. This summer, he’ll be working on NASA Ames’ arc jet program, focusing on reducing uncertainties in high-temperature gas flow experiments. His work will help improve the accuracy of data used in designing thermal protection systems for reentry vehicles—making future space missions safer and more cost-effective.

Frederick Rye took a less traditional path to aerospace. After a gap year working as an electrical apprentice, he returned to school with a focus on engineering. Following community college, he transferred to the U of M and joined the newly formed Stochastic Hypersonics Research Group. His upcoming internship at NASA Ames will also center on arc jet testing and hypersonic flow studies. “There’s a really strong intern culture,” Rye said. “I’m most excited to meet other researchers and students across different fields—from robotics to microbiology.”

Both students will be in California this summer and are looking forward to the experience of being part of a vibrant aerospace community.