Lisha Roubert, a student at the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey, will spend the summer of 2008 at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., as a participant in the competitive NASA Academy. In her senior year, Roubert is from Guayama and majoring in mathematics.

The NASA Academy is a unique residential internship program that targets undergrad and graduate students. Participants must have demonstrated unique interest in space science during the application process. The academy was created to develop new leaders for the U.S. Space Program.

"I look forward to the hands-on experience the academy will provide," said Roubert. "I want to apply the mathematical knowledge that I can gain in real situations. I couldn't think of a better place to learn than at NASA which has some of the top scientists in the world who have already mastered these skills."

Participants are expected to conduct laboratory research, assist with group projects, and complete a presentation accompanied with technical writing. Students will gain a greater understanding about how NASA centers operate and build professional bonds with NASA personnel and fellow interns.

Once students complete the Academy program, they are inducted into the NASA Academy Alumni Association and earn course credits from the University of Maryland, College of Computer, Mathematical and Physical Science.

Founded in 1993, the NASA Academy inspires and develops future leaders with a demonstrated commitment to aerospace through a unique, powerful combination of research, leadership development, and relationship building opportunities. Filling an important niche among NASA education programs, the NASA Academy structure complements internship programs that focus more exclusively on research. The NASA Academy experience stimulates sharp young minds at a critical decision-making point in their careers.

The ten-week academy runs now through Aug. 8.

This program is a part of NASA's continuing tradition of investing in the nation's best and brightest. It is directly tied to the agency's educational goal of strengthening NASA's and the nation's future workforce. Through this and the agency's other college and university programs, NASA will identify and develop the critical skills and capabilities necessary for future space exploration.

For more info about the Academy go to: http://www.nasa-academy.nasa.gov/

News media should contact Dewayne Washington 286-0040 of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Public Affairs Office for additional information.