SJC Interns • Danielle Fieseler ‘19

Danielle FieselerMathematics, Secondary Education
Interning at NASA, John C. Stennis Space Center


An internship at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi sounds like something out of a movie. For Danielle Fieseler '19, it's just a gateway to becoming a better educator. For more than four decades, John C. Stennis Space Center has served as NASA's primary rocket propulsion testing ground. As of 2012, it is NASA's largest rocket engine test facility. Danielle spent her summer among massive engines such as the RS-25 — upgraded versions of the main engines used to power 135 space shuttle missions from 1981 to 2011. Below, she shares her experiences interning at the John C. Stennis Space Center.


"Within these weeks of camp, as an astro camp educator it was my goal to inspire the students to study science and space, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Besides inspiring the students, I received professional development practice, was faced with numerous learning opportunities and learned how to teach standard-based lessons."

Internship Reflections

"So far I have done so much. I have seen the RS-25 engine test, have been to Aerojet Rocketdyne, have been on top of one of the engine test stands, and have learned about life and the loss of a camper's family members. The most valuable thing I am taking away from this internship is that no matter who you come into contact with — whether it be networking or working along side of NASA employees — the other interns and I have made a lot of friendships and bonds with important NASA employees at John C. Stennis Space Center."

"Within these weeks of camp, as an astro camp educator it was my goal to inspire the students to study science and space, technology, engineering and mathematics. Besides inspiring the students, I received professional development practice, was faced with numerous learning opportunities and learned how to teach standard-based lessons."

NASA

What were your goals for this summer as an intern?

"To learn classroom management skills and different teaching techniques while teaching STEM activities."

What inspired you to go into your career field?

"I always loved math."