When one thinks of NASA, the mind often conjures images of astronauts and rocket scientists, but an Austin Community College student is proving that space exploration has room for more than just the typical STEM disciplines. Ronald Ngamby, an ACC Business Administration and Accounting student has recently returned from his third stint in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) program, broadening the horizon for what business majors can aspire to in terms of a career.
Ngamby's journey with NASA began with a virtual program, Mission 1 of NCAS, because, as he put it, "When you never try to apply, you have zero chance to make it." During this five-week program, where around 300 students participated, Ngamby learned about NASA's mission goals and submitted papers on several NASA directorates. His hard work led him to mission 2, with a more selective group of around 180 students, where his role was to map out a lunar rover landing as a Floor Specialist, according to a statement obtained by the Austin Community College District newsroom.
Navigating this challenge in just a week, Ngamby and his team of 10 assembled a presentation for NASA panelists. The culmination of their efforts was critiqued and combined with scores from the first mission to secure a place in the final phase, Mission 3: Innovate. This three-week program includes two virtual weeks and an invaluable third week at the NASA AMES Research Center in San Jose, California.
During the final mission, Ngamby contributed to a proposal tied to NASA's Advanced Air Mobility program, focusing on consumer enterprise and goods and services. He presented their solution in person to NASA panelists and took the opportunity to network and learn at the research center, and even extend his adventure to the University of California, Berkeley. Ngamby told the ACC newsroom, "Anyone can do this, especially if you come into it with an open mind and ready to learn." His experience upends the traditional trajectory for business majors, effectively shattering the ceiling of what's possible for students pursuing degrees outside the direct scope of science and technology.
Highlighting his roots as a business major, Ngamby's experience with NCAS showcases the diverse opportunities available to students within the ACC and perhaps, to the broader academic community. It's not just a lesson in interdisciplinary studies but also a testament to the boundless potential for growth and learning when students step outside of conventional career pathways and, quite literally, reach for the stars.
