Ignite

40 years

America’s Status

PhD Degrees in Science and Engineering

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

Year

Ph

D p

er

yea

r

Asians citizensAll fields of Science & Engineering

US citizens, all fields of Science and Engineering, (excluding psychology & social sciences)

US citizens,Physical Sciences and Engineering only

Source: Science and Engineering Indicators, National Science Board, 2002

3

1

1

12

22

2

2

2

3 1

1

1

1

June ‘09

June ‘08

Prior Schools#

“The FHSAP project was the most formative experience of my high school career. Without having participated in it, I doubt I would have pursued a degree in biomedical engineering at Texas A&M University, co-oping with NASA Johnson Space Center, or desiring to become an astronaut myself.”

“Mr. Williams deepened our understanding of physics and engineering principles and helped us develop valuable problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills by providing us with an exceptional practical application opportunity.”

Laura Crenwelge

Employed at NASA’s Johnson Space CenterEngineering Directorateworking on the waterreclamation unit for long-term human flight.

B.S. Biomedical Engineering,Texas A&M University

M.S. Aerospace Engineering,Stanford University

“Fredericksburg High School’s Aeroscience Program gave me a firm foundation in science and engineering allowing me to excel incollegiate level engineering and gain employment at the Army's premier university-affiliated research center working on advanced electric weapons for future combat vehicles.”

Garet Itz, B.S. Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Austin.Employed at the Institute of Advanced Technologies (UT) working on hypervelocity projectiles and his M.S. in Aerospace Engineering.

Garet Itz with EM gun

Joshua Jung at Space Exploration Technologies

Joshua Jung, B.S. Aerospace Engineering, Purdue University

“The Fredericksburg High School Aeroscience Program ignited my interest in high power rocketry. Through both technical and hands-on experience, the FHSAP gave me the capability and eagerness to pursue a career in Aerospace. I am currently employed by Space Exploration Technologies. At SpaceX, I am the lead test engineer for the Falcon 1 Rocket’s engine and structures, I am the lead engineer in the design and build of the Falcon 5/9 test stands, and I am responsible for flight propellant loading and propulsion monitoring. I can undeniably say that I would not be where I am today without the FHSAP.”

Justin Junell on SSME test stand.

“The FHSAP has had a tremendous impact on my life.  It sparked my interest in engineering and aerospace and helped me decide to pursue an engineering degree in college; and, ultimately a career in the aerospace industry. Currently, I work in the modeling and analysis division of NASA’s Propulsion Test Directorate and am pursuing a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.  I attribute FHSAP as the crux of my success.  It helped me to see, for the first time, what I wanted to do with my life.”

Justin Junell, B.S. Applied physics, Kettering University. Employed at NASA’s Stennis Space Center working on his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

B.S. Electrical Engineering,Working on M.S. in EE at University of Texas – San Antonio

Robert Deaver in UT EE lab.

“Launching a rocket of that size…was a colossal goal.  We did the research, designed, and built the Redbird1 in six-months.  It definitely aided in preparing me for pursuing a technical degree; the research and teamwork skills I acquired working on it are invaluable now that I am in college.”

Garrett Laughlin

“ The FHSAP ignited my passion for flight and aerospace engineering through a hands-on approach that showed me how to take an idea and turn it into reality. Through the FHSAP, I developed the initial leadership and engineering skills that have led to my success at Texas A&M. I can’t think of any other program that would have prepared me more thoroughly for my aerospace engineering education and future career.”

AIAA National Outstanding Senior Aerospace Award Recipient

Employed at Space Exploration Technologies as a propulsion engineer.

B.S. Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University

Joel Appel at United Space Alliance.

Joel Appel, B.S. and M.S. Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas-Austin,

“The (FHSAP) inspired me to study aerospace engineering at the University of Texas in Austin. Though the university provided me a multitude of research options and projects, none inspired me as much as the original class in Fredericksburg when we built the 15-foot rocket. Today I work at United Space Alliance where I am a Propulsion Systems Analyst for the Shuttle Program. I really enjoy what I do and I am glad I can trace it back to a class, a project, and a program that inspired me to get here.”

Keegan Dale United States Air Force

“The PT program (SystemsGo) helped me a lot in my core Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering classes at the Air Force Academy. A good deal of the information that was covered in both of those classes was a lot of review from PT1. It also helped me out in the other core engineering classes I took (mech., civil, electrical, etc.) as it gave me a great basis on how to learn in the engineering class environment.

B.S. Computer Science, United States Air Force Academy