Since seventh grade it has been Kyle Liggan's dream to work at NASA.
     Over the summer, the rising senior came a step closer to realizing that dream. Liggan was one of 12 students from across the Commonwealth selected for the Summer Residential Governor’s Mentorship in Engineering at NASA. The program is designed to offer gifted high school students an engineering experience through actual applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts.
     “It was easily the best experience of my life,” Liggan said.
      A group of NASA scientist actually helped select the group of students for the four-week program, which was held a Langley Research Center and the National Institute of Aerospace Mentorship. The students stayed at Christopher Newport University.
     The students in the program interacted with NASA engineers, engaging in debates about the future of space exploration and other aerospace-related topics. Liggan even spent 30 minutes with a NASA engineer discussing where in space future explorations should be focused.
     “Just being on site at the NASA Langley Research Center was a dream come true for me,” Liggan said.
     Aside from the interaction with professionals, it was some of the conversations and connections she formed with her fellow students that left a lasting impression on Liggan. Suddenly, discussing quantum physics and articles from Popular Science became normal. The bond formed was so close that the students have already planned on reunions.
     One of the biggest perks for Liggan happened as the program was coming to a close when Liggan was offered a position in a lab at NIA (National Institute of Aerospace). She is currently writing a proposal to work in the lab next summer as an intern with engineers from around the world.
     “I gained so much experience and made many contacts that could potentially make a huge difference in my future career as an engineer,” she said.