For STEM students at John Carroll University, working with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) isn't a distant aspiration—it's an accessible, local reality. Located just minutes from NASA Glenn Research Center, JCU gives undergraduates a direct bridge to one of the country's primary aerospace facilities through collaborative research, internships, and alumni connections.
Hands-On Lunar Research: Student Internships at GlennWith JCU’s Engineering Physics program earning ABET accreditation, students build a strong technical foundation backed by close faculty mentorship. That preparation frequently opens doors to practical work at NASA Glenn long before graduation.
Take Greta Kronz ’27, an Engineering Physics major who spent ten weeks at NASA Glenn as the Battery Testing & Characterization intern for the ICE CHILL project, testing battery modules designed to survive the extreme conditions on the moon.
"The technical education I received in JCU's Engineering Physics department prepared me well to understand both the batteries and the tests we were running," says Kronz. "JCU gave me the hard and soft skills I needed to succeed. This internship allowed me to grow my technical and professional skills in a way that no classroom can perfectly simulate."
Her path to NASA was supported by Spencer Furin ’17, an electrical engineer at Glenn who encouraged her to apply, along with JCU faculty who actively mentored her through the application process.
Beyond the technical work, Kronz found an open, welcoming environment. "As exciting as the technical aspect is, the people and mentors really make the internship amazing," she adds. "Everyone at NASA is so kind and helpful. Even when I meet someone from a completely different project, they are genuinely interested in my career aspirations and want to help."
Faculty Collaborations: NASA Projects in JCU LabsJCU students also build early connections with NASA by working alongside faculty who bring active NASA Glenn research projects directly into campus laboratories.
Organic Chemistry professor Dr. Jen joined JCU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry this fall after completing the NASA Glenn Faculty Fellowship Program. Working under Glenn's Materials and Structures for Extreme Environments group, her research focuses on polymer aerogels—ultra-lightweight, highly porous materials used for thermal insulation, acoustic protection, and shielding spacecraft from radiation and orbital debris.
Dr. Jen is continuing this collaborative research at JCU, where undergraduates can join her lab right away—regardless of whether they are first-year students or seniors.
"I want students to see the tangible utility of what they're learning," says Dr. Jen, who brings a background in high school education, industry, and government research. "Whether we're analyzing organic chemical structures or synthesizing new composite materials, students can see how the science applies directly to real-world technology. My goal is to welcome students into the lab early so they can gain real research experience right away."
Learn More About Studying Engineering and Physics at John Carroll
Join us for a special JCU in Focus event on October 22nd to get an inside look at our ABET-accredited Engineering Physics program. Participants will have the opportunity to tour our cutting-edge lab spaces and hear from faculty about the many opportunities available for students.
