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NOVA’s SkillsUSA Students Bring Home the Medals!
NOVA Students Win 23 Medals at SkillsUSA State Championship!
At the SkillsUSA Virginia State Leadership Conference, held in Virginia Beach on April 23, students from NOVA won 14 gold medals, 5 silver, and 4 bronze!
Each gold medalist was declared a State Champion in their respective competitive event, including Additive Manufacturing, Commercial sUAS Drone, Computer Programming, Engineering Technology Design, Interactive Application and Video Game Development, Job Interview, Job Skills Demonstration Open, Principles of Engineering Technology, and Related Technical Math. All gold medalists qualified for the SkillsUSA National Championship in Atlanta in June.
In total, there were 8 individual champions and 6 team champions, consisting of a two-person and three-person teams. Below are the winning NOVA students and their respective events:
| Competition | # on team | NOVA Student/SkillsUSA Member | SkillsUSA Virginia State Leadership Conference 2024 Placement |
| Additive Manufacturing | 2 | Nickolas Cowen | State Champion |
| Additive Manufacturing | 2 | Tariq Aldalou | State Champion |
| Commercial sUAS Drone | 2 | Alait Mesfune | State Champion |
| Commercial sUAS Drone | 2 | Heidy Sandoval | State Champion |
| Computer Programming | 1 | Serhat Erdogmus | |
| Computer Programming | 1 | Mohamed Aziz Laouiti | State Champion |
| Engineering Technology Design | 3 | Julio Gagnon | |
| Engineering Technology Design | 3 | Misandratr’Avo Andriamasino
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| Engineering Technology Design | 3 | Thomas Choe | |
| Engineering Technology Design | 3 | Lauren Traversa | State Champion |
| Engineering Technology Design | 3 | Mateo Aguilar | State Champion |
| Engineering Technology Design | 3 | Nyan Prakash | State Champion |
| Engineering Technology Design | 3 | Benjamin Yam | |
| Engineering Technology Design | 3 | Kanykei Korosheva | |
| Engineering Technology Design | 3 | Maddie Gebremichael | |
| Interactive Application and Video Game Development | 2 | Cinthia Terceros | State Champion |
| Interactive Application and Video Game Development | 2 | Ugur Aksu | State Champion |
| Job Interview | 1 | Lemar Ali | State Champion |
| Job Skills Demonstration Open | 1 | Liza Alekseeva | State Champion |
| Principles of Engineering Technology | 1 | Jonathon Gebremichael | |
| Principles of Engineering Technology | 1 | Claudio Molina | State Champion |
| Tanjim Redhwan | 1 | Related Technical Math | State Champion |
| Kiera White | 1 | Technical Drafting |
Feedback from SkillsUSA students included the following:
Claudio Molina won 1st place in the Principles of Engineering category with his design of a car transmission. “Without support from NOVA, I wouldn’t have had the materials needed to build a five-speed manual transmission system,” Claudio said. “The Fab Lab in Manassas was particularly helpful. It provides a great work environment with a friendly, supportive staff who guided me on the materials and tools to use. Without the lab, I wouldn’t have been able to undertake this kind of project.”
Lauren Traversa, Mateo Aguilar, and Nyan Prakash took 1st place in the Engineering Technology Design category with their Automatic Dog Trainer.
“Without the resources provided by NOVA, we definitely wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this,” Lauren said. “The help from faculty like Mary, along with the Fab Lab and resources such as 3D printers and various supplies, was crucial. They not only assisted us throughout the competition but also managed all the arrangements needed for the event. This support was critical to our success.”
“The most important aspect was Mary’s incredible support at the Fab Lab; she stayed late, which was really awesome,” Mateo says. “Having the Fab Lab open for extended hours was crucial. I’d like the Fab Lab to offer even longer hours. Most of us competing are based at the Annandale Campus, making it challenging to travel to the Manassas Campus where the Fab Lab is located. I’m really grateful for Mary’s flexibility. Moving forward, my next step is to develop the Automatic Dog Trainer into an actual product that I can sell.”
Kanykei Korosova, Benjamin Yam, and Maddie Gebremichael took 2nd place in the Engineering Technology Design for their Radio Control Airplane.
“It was great, honestly. Having support from the Fab Lab really made a difference,” Benjamin said. “Mary provided the materials on time, which was fantastic, allowing us to start working immediately. It was also nice to connect with other like-minded individuals involved in the project. Mary, Justin, and Andy were very supportive; they not only scheduled the trip to Virginia Beach but also organized the entire club and set up the competition. It provided a good platform. We were fortunate to have access to ample resources, which was a big plus.”
“This is my second time participating in SkillsUSA, which is awesome,” Kanykei said. “I felt more comfortable presenting this time; it just came naturally to me. I didn’t have to force anything, and surprisingly, there wasn’t much need for additional practice because of my previous experience. Overall, it was a good experience that gave me significant exposure to the field I’m entering.
“In terms of leadership, my involvement has been extensive. For example, I started the Virginia Tech Engineering Transfer Club and became the president of the Student Government Association (SGA). This allowed me to immerse myself in a community that was naturally aligned with my field. Becoming a leader in clubs related to my interests felt like a natural progression into SkillsUSA.”
“NOVA gave me the opportunity. There was help and support from mentors and professors,” Maddie said. “It helped me realize my potential. It was a great opportunity.”
Alait Mesfune and Heidy Sandoval took first place in the Commercial sUAS Drone event.
“I just wanted to give a shoutout to Mary and Justin at the Fab Lab. Their mentorship was crucial for us in the competition,” Heidy said. “Without their help, we wouldn’t have made it this far. Also, a big thanks to NOVA for making it all possible; without their funding and resources, we wouldn’t have been able to participate in this amazing opportunity. They set us up for success by providing us with study guides and drone equipment. And SkillsUSA, sponsored by NOVA? It was a blast! It gave me something to look forward to this semester, and I was able to make new friendships along the way!”
The State Leadership Conference allowed students to use the technical knowledge acquired in the classroom to solve real-world problems and apply what they had learned, with coaching and advising from industry professionals, in a competitive environment. Now, they have the chance to represent NOVA on the national stage!
IET Career Day at the AN Campus Has Students Looking at NOVA
Earlier this month we held our final 2024 NOVA IET Career Day at the Annandale campus to showcase our Information and Engineering Technology programs to over 85 high school students (after successful previous career days in March on other NOVA campuses where 300+ HS students attended).
Participants toured the campus, engaged in hands-on activities, and learned from industry professionals including Nick Dahal from Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cameron Brown from Suffolk Construction, Greg Howard from Peraton, and Ryan Ammons and Obaid Sabori from NOVA IET. Key support was also provided by NOVA’s Dual Enrollment team.
The primary goal of the IET Career Days is to spark student interest in the in-demand tech pathway at NOVA, enabling them to either transfer to a 4-year institution in an IET field, or in many cases, enter the workforce directly after one or two years at the college.
Here’s how some of the attending high schoolers responded to their day at NOVA:
“I enjoyed this event because it was informative and helpful. Now, I’m considering attending NOVA for two years before transferring to a four-year college. Hearing from professionals working in the real world was interesting. I’m really glad that I signed up.”
~ Patricia, Senior, Marshall High School Academy
“I’m considering applying to NOVA or to a college in New Orleans, where my sister lives. I’m interested in cybersecurity. The Annandale campus is nice, and the data analytics session was pretty cool.”
~ Solomon, Junior, Potomac High School
“This event was great. I liked the interactive session that gave out prizes. I applied for NOVA’s cybersecurity program. I’m currently taking a cybersecurity class at school.”
~ Jerry, Senior, Marshall High School Academy
“I’m a dual enrollment student at NOVA. I wanted to come to this event to learn more about NOVA, information technology, and the internship options. It was an interesting event. I’m attending George Mason University in the fall.”
~ Evan, Senior, Marshall High School Academy
“I’m interested in mechanical engineering and the IT field, so this event was intriguing and informational. The session with the instructional system designer was interesting because I never really thought about how the government and the IT field intertwine.
I’m deciding among Penn State, George Mason, or Virginia Tech for the fall (I’m on the VT waitlist). As a dual enrollment student at NOVA, I’ve taken a history class and am currently taking an English class and a systems technology class, where I’ll earn A+ certification.
I’ve also considered attending NOVA for two years and then transferring to a four-year university. My grandfather was an English professor at NOVA but is now retired. He also worked as a diplomat and at the World Bank. He’s from Syria.”
~ Nile, Senior, Langley High School
Insights from Presenters:
Greg Howard, an Instructional Systems Designer/Curriculum Development Specialist working as a contractor at Peraton, shared advice for students interested in the IT field: “When you start your career, you may be shy or nervous about talking to people, but you will have to interact with them. Sometimes, you have to ‘fake it till you make it’ as you learn how to communicate. If you don’t, you may not be able to do your job successfully, which would be a disservice to yourself and the organization you’re working for. You have to learn how to adapt accordingly; it’s an important skill to learn.”
Obaid Sabori, a NOVA graduate with an associate degree in cybersecurity, now an entrepreneur and lab support technician at NOVA, stressed that “everyone needs to learn about cybersecurity to protect their digital identity.” He encourages students interested in cybersecurity to gain experience through hands-on projects and participation in both in-person and online competitions, such as the National Cyber League and Hack the Box.
Ryan Ammons, an assistant IET professor at NOVA, highlighted how Artificial Intelligence (AI), or machine learning, is transforming the workforce. According to The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, it’s predicted that there will be a 40% increase in the number of AI and machine learning specialists by 2027, representing a 30-35% rise in demand. Ryan emphasized the one-year Data Analytics program at NOVA, noting it equips students with skills supporting the latest advances in digital data analytics.
Nick Dahal, a NOVA and George Mason University graduate, now an Operations Manager for Amazon Web Services, urges students interested in the IET field to apply for internships. “My internship was a game-changer. Internships are very important because your degree’s value doubles when you graduate with internship experience. Since internships are competitive, you may have to apply to many, but as you go through more interviews, talk to more people, and review your resume multiple times, you fix more mistakes and just get better at the process.”
Student Spotlight: Women in STEM President at NOVA
“The NOVA Women in STEM club has introduced me to a diverse group of people from all six campuses, many of whom travel to Annandale for our weekly meetings. Collaborating with other clubs enhances the fun, and I’ve learned from everyone I’ve met here. I’m grateful for the unique and enriching Nighthawk experience.” ~ Judy Marouf
Last spring, Judy Marouf co-founded the NOVA Women in STEM Club. The club seeks to “present women that pursue STEM studies with the opportunities to depart from a transitory academic environment with the tools for success in their future endeavors.”
54% of NOVA is female, but only 17% of the engineering program is female and 21% of the Computer Science program is female. In this regard, the club seeks to be “a small force of change” in order to increase female engagement in STEM fields at the college.
The goals of Women in STEM are:
- To create a safe space that offers a well-rounded support system full of uplifting connections and friendships.
- To provide members with the latest opportunities and information for academic and career development – including jobs, internships, scholarships, research, and transfer support.
- To organize exciting and enriching events, workshops, guest speakers, activities, trips, and games.
Judy serves as the club president, with her duties divided between internal and external responsibilities. Internally, Judy closely manages the board’s schedules and key tasks. She keeps the vice president and secretary updated, approves documents, helps the treasurer with fundraising, guides the membership chair in promotions, and sets goals with the social media manager. She also mentors the president intern for future leadership roles. Externally, she works with other student clubs and handles tasks like organizing events and ensuring the club meets all regulations.
Physics professor Manori Nadesalingam serves as the club advisor. Meetings take place at the Annandale Campus on Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The club has grown to almost 250 students on Discord and offers peer support, career resources, and organizes various events. Judy encourages all NOVA STEM students, regardless of gender, to participate in club events and join the Discord community to engage with and benefit from this diverse and active group. Join using this link: https://discord.gg/fqRFxE3qzf.
Judy will graduate this spring with an associate degree in business administration and plans to complete an associate degree in computer science this summer. She is considering a future career in project management.
Recently, Judy completed her first internship during the winter break with a program called Nvolve, designed to support women in overcoming barriers in STEM fields. As a web development intern, she significantly enhanced their website and trained other interns, gaining valuable experience.
Judy is also active in the FAB Lab Product Design Incubator, where she is paired with a mentor to enhance various skills, including resume building and technical development. Last semester, she developed an AI chatbot, a project supported by the Women’s STEM Club, which showcases program benefits like stipends and skill development. This experience has enriched her resume and provided key talking points for job interviews.
Additionally, she is a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, which helps exceptional community college students transfer to top four-year institutions without incurring student debt. The winner will be announced in May.
As for her interest in STEM? “I was inspired by my oldest brother’s love for coding and robotics,” she says. “I’ve always looked up to him as a role model. In elementary school, I noticed I wasn’t naturally gifted in math, but I enjoyed the subject enough to challenge myself. I had to work twice as hard, but that didn’t stop me.” Clearly, her efforts have paid off!
CLRI Completes Spring Cohort with Executive Networking Event
The Spring 2024 Career and Leadership Institute (CLRI) was capped off on March 28 with the Executive Mentoring and Networking event!
A total of 24 students graduated from the Spring program, completing 7 workshops that covered topics including Leadership and Communication Skills, Building your Personal Brand, Technical Resume Writing, and Understanding Clearances and Vetting for Government Jobs.
The spring program covered 5 weeks starting in February and culminated in the Executive Mentoring and Networking event with 13 industry executives from Iron Mountain, HR Tec, Stack Infrastructure, CoreSite, AWS, A Foot In The Door, Vetting Konsultants, Micron, and Digital Realty.
Both mentors and students were recognized at the end of the event, and participants stayed an extra hour to network with industry partners.
Feedback from CLRI students included the following:
“I’m in the cybersecurity program and looking forward to entering the workforce. This event has been amazing; it helps break the ice, and all the questions I’ve been stressing about are being answered. Having come from the medical field, I’m entering this environment fresh. I was concerned about whether companies would hire people with no experience. Now, I understand what these companies are looking for in their employees, including certifications, and so on. It has been a fantastic experience.”
~ Kayley Radar, Cybersecurity
“I enjoyed speaking with professionals in groups along with other students because it prompted me to think of questions I hadn’t considered before. It allowed us to bounce ideas off one another.”
~ Arisiema Legasse
“I think it was cool that you could talk to industry leaders face-to-face. They were all very friendly, engaging, and interested in getting to know the students.”
~ Patrick Gilllespie, Data Center Operations
“This event was excellent as it provided a good opportunity to practice interacting with others. At NOVA, not many people engage in conversations; they attend their classes and leave. So, this experience was beneficial.”
~ Josh, Computer Science
“Andy Chavez said that working for a company is like a future relationship: the company wants you as much as you want them. I really liked this event.”
~ Nga Tran, Cloud Computing
Insights from industry professionals included the following:
Miguel Ramos, CMCO, Sr. Data Center Operations Manager, along with Zuri Johnson, Recruiter at CoreSite, an American Tower Company, shared their experiences through Q & A.
CoreSite operates 28 data centers across the United States, including three in Virginia.
Q. Which of your skills can be applied beyond your present job?
Miguel explained from a manager’s viewpoint the importance of getting to know the people in your team. He emphasized, “It’s crucial to understand their personalities, the skills they bring to the table, their needs, and how to communicate with each individual uniquely. The way you perceive information may not be the same way they understand it. Having people skills can help you in any job.”
Miguel highlighted the importance of email organization in a data center, saying, “Every asset in the building, such as generators, chillers, UPS systems, and power panels, is monitored. It’s similar to getting an engine light in your car when you need an oil change. We receive alarms every day via email. I might get 500 alarms a day, translating to 500 emails that I have to sift through.”
Zuri shared, “Customer service skills are invaluable, regardless of your job. Another critical skill is project management, especially the ability to manage your time.”
Q. When you first started in the data center industry, was it overwhelming?
Miguel responded, “Anything new can be overwhelming at first, but once you find your rhythm, get trained, and understand your duties, it becomes manageable. We tend to be our own worst critics.”
Zuri added, “Yes, it was particularly overwhelming for me since it was my first experience in this environment. Choosing a company with a great culture and team is crucial.”
Michael Guttman, Strategic Program Manager at Micron Technology, a semiconductor manufacturing company based in Manassas and operating internationally, also provided insights.
Q. What makes work fun?
“It’s engaging to work with a group of people you get along with, where everyone values each other and can be themselves. Having a space where we can professionally joke around enhances the work environment.”
Q. Are there internship opportunities at Micron?
“Yes, we offer internships. I currently have an intern from NOVA on my team, who’s doing great. Although she’s majoring in cybersecurity, I’m assisting her in transitioning to mechatronics, which aligns more closely with our work.”
Q. Is your current position something you imagined doing when you were younger?
“Not in a million years. I assumed the highest position I would achieve was that of a senior technician. Managing projects worth a hundred million dollars was beyond my imagination.”
Q. What skills from your technician background helped you become a program manager?
“My military background provided me with leadership and technical skills. I’ve always been quick to learn and enjoy it, which opened many opportunities. This industry is challenging, and having a versatile skill set has kept me employed. Networking and building relationships with senior leaders are also crucial for success. Relationships are everything.”
Q. Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit into your role or experienced imposter syndrome?
“When I joined the STAR team, my knowledge of talent acquisition was limited, making me feel like an imposter. However, through extensive reading, online research, courses, and certification in management recruiting, I gained confidence. Starting a new position always comes with uncertainties, but taking smart risks and learning from mistakes, with support from your team, helps you progress.”
Stephen Jolly, Data Center Cluster Manager at Amazon Web Services (AWS), discussed career opportunities at AWS.
Q. What kind of career opportunities are available at AWS?
“AWS offers many entry-level positions that don’t require extensive experience. For instance, with a cybersecurity degree, you can start in an entry-level data center position, learning about the business while building a network to explore cybersecurity within AWS. I encourage students, even freshmen at Nova, to join us. We support their education and help them establish a professional network, creating a beneficial situation for everyone. We look for individuals who will contribute positively to our team.”
Spotlight on AFCOM/CLRI Grad Bryan Buford
Bryan Buford, a NOVA IET student, completed the Career Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI) and an internship through AFCOM.
Through CLRI, Buford gained an introduction to personal branding, enhancing his understanding of resume development to emphasize achievements over mere job descriptions. He also appreciated CLRI’s emphasis on effective communication and leadership skills towards his professional development.
He found the mock interviews particularly equipping, especially the exposure to Amazon’s STAR method, which stands for: Situation: What was a challenging situation at your previous job that you faced? Task: What did you do when the situation arose? Action: How did you take action to resolve the situation? Results: What happened as a result of your action?
During his AFCOM internship at CyrusOne Data Centers, he began as a critical operations intern. His duties included monitoring control center screens and managing the operation of rooftop chillers. He learned from seasoned professionals, occasionally starting up generators and improving his ability to interpret one-line diagrams.
He later transitioned to the position of technician intern, where he removed racks and cables in a data hall, distinguishing between fiber and copper and learning the careful handling of fiber to prevent damage. He values internships for the practical experience they provide, believing they differentiate candidates in the job market.
Now employed as a cable technician at N2N Integrations, he enjoys the role’s diversity and dynamism, rising to the challenge of juggling a full-time job with part-time college coursework and looks forward to graduating with an associate’s degree in Data Center Operations (DCO).
His future plans include continuing his technical career before transitioning to critical operations, to pursue a mechanical engineering degree with the dream of working at NASA.
He advises those interested in the DCO field to start early and invest significant effort, pointing out the promising growth trajectory of data centers in our increasingly digital world.
Buford compares his interest in the IET field to the allure of the “Great and Powerful Oz” from The Wizard of Oz. He explained, “There’s something intriguing about observing the inner workings of computers and servers behind the scenes.”
He acknowledges the significant influence of TJ Ciccone, the IET Program and Curriculum Support Specialist, on his career. Buford is grateful for Ciccone’s impactful instruction and assistance in securing his internship.
Spotlight on NOVA Makers: Andy Polcha
Andy Polcha, a NOVA student with aspirations to become an architect, finds the Fab Lab a canvas for his Art History and Architectural Drafting class projects and an integral part of his educational journey.
Utilizing the Fab Lab’s advanced F series printer, Polcha has been able to create intricate 3D plastic models. One notable project is a reliquary (which traditionally houses sacred relics) for his Art History class, crafted from an entire spool of plastic and refined with a sodium hydroxide solution to achieve a polished finish. Polcha’s reliquary cleverly splits in half to reveal a hidden compartment which holds a gem owl, a cherished gift from his aunt.
In addition, he has crafted a variety of models, including a gazebo, columns, arches, and doors. For his final project in Architectural Drafting, he designed a house in classical style.
Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Italian Renaissance architects such as Michelangelo, Bernini, and Palladio, he references Architectural Treatises to refine his designs. To bring his ideas to life, he navigates Blender, a free software he compares to playing a piano – where each key performs a distinct function and mastering them all is essential. “Blender is notorious for being difficult because it encompasses everythingーthe renderer, animation tools for crafting full 3D animated movies, compositing, texture work, and much more,” he explained.
He has also utilized the Fab Lab’s resources to print professional-quality photos for set designs, drawing inspiration from the works of Italian Renaissance architect Vignola. These photos were then used in a local community theater production, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley.
Currently pursuing an associate degree in General Education with aspirations for a bachelor’s degree in architecture, Polcha has always been passionate about building, a hobby that began in childhood with Lincoln Logs, Legos, and blocks. Despite early struggles with math that cast doubt on his potential as an architect, recent years have seen a significant boost in his confidence, largely due to his enthusiasm for Art History and Architectural Drafting courses.
After graduating from NOVA, Polcha aims to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Architecture at Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, or the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Reflecting on his experience at NOVA, Polcha said, “I love it because everything you need is here. The math center has been very helpful. They have a counseling center. If you want to do well, you almost have no choice but to do well. You will be successful in some way.”
The Fab Lab is a world-class makerspace open to all NOVA students, faculty, staff, and the wider educational community. Its mission is to cultivate a comprehensive experience in the Digital Fabrication realm by providing access to cutting-edge fabrication processes, training in 3D modeling, and fostering a foundation in the principles of Design Thinking and creative problem-solving.
“Everybody at the Fab Lab is nice and personable. I enjoy being there because whenever you seek help, they’re always willing to collaborate and figure things out together,” he shared.
IET Career Days are Back!
Showcasing NOVA’s commitment to supporting students and professionals in IET fields, NOVA’s IET High School Career Days return this March and April! These events introduce high school students to in-demand technology career pathways.
Check out our IET Career Day Video
Career Days are FREE and feature presentations and panel discussions by industry experts covering a range of topics such as Information Technology, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Data Center Operations, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Credit for Prior Learning (e.g. Google, CompTIA, and AWS certifications). Students will also tour the particular NOVA campus they are visiting (Loudoun, Woodbridge, Manassas, Alexandria, andAnnandale).
High schools that meet the minimum registration requirement will be provided free transportation to and from the event and lunch is also provided. This is a first-come first-serve event and each campus is capped at 200 attendees.
Registration is required to attend and all high school students must self-register for their respective Career Day.
Register below to attend a Career Day at one of our NOVA Campuses:
Tuesday 3/12 Loudoun Campus
Wednesday 3/13 Woodbridge Campus
Thursday 3/14 Manassas Campus
Friday 4/5 Annandale Campus
For questions contact Braden Traw at jtraw@nvcc.edu or Justin Owen at jlowen@nvcc.edu.
NOVA Student Success In IET: Willie Brown
NOVA student Willie Brown is flying high in NASA’s Community College Aerospace Scholars Program. From CLRI to FOWA, he’s leaving a trail of success wherever he goes.
We recently settled in for a conversation with Willie, a NOVA IET student and participant in NASA’s Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) program. We were eager to delve into his remarkable experience and trace his journey through NOVA IET.
Brown, currently pursuing an A.S. in Information Technology, a C.S.C. for Network Engineering Specialist, and CompTIA Industry Certifications, discovered this excellent opportunity through a Canvas announcement last year. Despite fierce competition among hundreds of community college students, Brown stood out and actively engaged in Mission 1: Discover and Mission 2: Explore within the NCAS virtual experience. To top it off, Brown received an invitation to Mission 3: Innovate-Capstone Project, scheduled to take place at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California!
Mission 1 and Mission 2 are five-week programs, deeply immersing participants in NASA’s missions and STEM careers. Meanwhile, Mission 3 is a three-week endeavor, consisting of a 2-week online segment followed by a one-week residential experience. During this time, scholars like Brown will contribute to NASA’s missions by developing possible solutions to current challenges faced by NASA.
As he embarked on Mission 1, Discover, Brown found himself engrossed in a NASA orientation that set the stage for the subsequent NCAS missions. This phase offered students a comprehensive insight into NASA’s ongoing projects and pathways for involvement.
The online program blends various STEM activities, including expert talks, interactive media, group work, tests, and guidance from seasoned educators, providing students like Brown with an engaging learning experience during Mission 1.
He encourages students to explore the program, noting that Mission 1 is achievable due to its virtual nature. He explained that participants delve into NASA’s directorates and focus on major ongoing projects, such as Artemis.
Artemis II, slated as the first crewed mission to the moon since 1972, is scheduled to launch a year from now. Brown emphasized its significance, stating, “The space program affects life on Earth much more than you might initially think. For example, research takes place on the space station that can be beneficial on Earth. Research topics include plant growth, changes in bone density, chemical processes for the development of medicine, and more. It’s really exciting in addition to the first person of color being on the Artemis II team.”
Transitioning into Mission 2, Explore unfolds as a simulation where students craft solutions for missions to the Moon or Mars. This phase focuses on teaching them the art of balancing choices within set limits. Simultaneously, within the career simulation, students step into mock NASA roles, showcasing the importance of teamwork and personal skills essential for monumental missions, such as exploring the lunar surface.
Brown was a member of the Apollo Green team, tasked with deciphering which rocket to utilize, defining payloads, specifying the mission objectives, selecting landing sites, and managing numerous other crucial elements.
When allocating roles among team members, Brown humorously compared the process to steering clear of the frantic scramble for supplies at the cornucopia in The Hunger Games; in their case, the “cornucopia” encapsulated all the available STEM roles in Exploration. Thankfully, the team swiftly resolved their roles due to time constraints, spurred by the impending presentation of their project.
His role centered on public affairs, necessitating the creation of a marketing plan outlining their approach to disseminating the program to the public. He also strategized on how to keep stakeholders informed about their progress while navigating the challenge of addressing encountered issues without revealing excessive details to other teams.
Amidst his involvement in the NCAS program, Brown’s plate extends far beyond. Besides being a NOVA student, he is deeply engaged in various roles. He serves on the Student Advisory Group for Virginia Workforce Recovery, collaborates with the Community College Research Center at Columbia University, holds positions as a NOVA Corps intern with Alexandria Enrollment Services, and interns with the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative and CACI Corporation.
When questioned about his perspective on the importance of IET fields, he elaborated, “The world has shifted—now, we’re all interconnected through this internet, so there are fundamental things that everyone needs to comprehend in order to protect themselves.”
On doing CLRI at NOVA
Reflecting on his journey at NOVA, Brown highlighted the significance of completing the Career & Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI). He firmly advocates for its value, stating, “It’s worth the time and energy invested. An absolutely fantastic program—it’s priceless.” He specifically praised several beneficial aspects such as mock interviews, guidance from subject matter experts, insightful visits to data centers, resume assistance, and the invaluable support from Career and Technical Education Coordinator, Andy Chavez, and IET Career Advisor, Sedrick Settle.
Furthermore, the CLRI focuses on imparting soft skills, an aspect Brown noted as crucial irrespective of one’s field. He acknowledged the significance of interpersonal abilities since interaction with people is universal across professions. He identified essential soft skills such as maintaining eye contact, effective communication, active listening, the art of asking questions and seeking clarification, mastering intonation, delivering both positive and negative news, demonstrating respect, and offering basic technical support.
First Place in the Future of Work Academy (FOWA)
Additionally, last fall, Brown participated in the virtual Future of Work Academy (FOWA), an institution specializing in cybersecurity career preparation. Notably, he clinched first place in the FOWA Innovation Incubator Challenge by presenting an idea centered around connecting individuals with limited resources seeking employment opportunities to free community resources. His concept involved establishing virtual cohorts within the community. His focus lay in imparting fundamental typing skills, recognizing its essentiality in today’s landscape.
Engaging in NOVA IET
Regarding advice for those contemplating NOVA’s IET programs, Brown stresses the need to dispel the notion that IT professionals are innate wizards, emphasizing that everyone starts as a learner. His advice is to initiate learning, seek guidance from successful individuals, and craft a solid learning plan, starting without delay.
For non-traditional students, he urges active engagement within the NOVA experience, advocating for the exploration of unfamiliar opportunities. He emphasizes the significance of not holding back academically or experientially due to age differences. In the competitive arena of professional life, he suggests embracing the diverse experiences within the classroom while understanding that they may also be competitors in securing dream jobs.
Highlighting the importance of a support network, Brown acknowledges the influential role of Jack Bidlack, NOVA’s Director of Strategic Initiatives, as a mentor and supporter. “One of my champions is Mr. Bidlack. Anytime something happens to me, I always send him a note to let him know what’s going on. He’s like my cheering section,” he said with a bright smile.
Looking ahead, Brown envisions completing his studies at NOVA and transferring to a four-year university, preferably one with an active honors program or a small liberal arts school offering an engaging environment. He also expresses his commitment to lifelong learning, currently pursuing a mathematics class at NOVA.
Spotlight on a NOVA Design Challenge Award Winner
Tariq Aldalou, winner in the post-secondary division, brought in some middle eastern enrichment with his design.
Tariq triumphed in the Design Challenge by creating a unique musical instrument inspired by his origins in Damascus, Syria. He designed a Mini-Oud, a variant of the Arabic Oud, that resembles a lute.
Aldalou’s version, crafted from PLA (polylactic acid filament) using a 3D printer, measures 60cm by 30cm (an Oud traditionally measures 67cm by 36cm). It features lasercut wood hexagon sound holes and maintains the conventional 11 strings of a traditional Oud. To preserve its authenticity, he applied a matte finish and included dust remnants from the sanding process, also creating two smaller prototypes.
Encouraging participation, Tariq advises, “Join the challenge, even if you’re starting from scratch or your tools aren’t perfect. It’s all about learning and growing. My friends and I, despite time constraints, are eager to dive in, ready to embrace mistakes as part of our progress. We encourage everyone to get involved and explore, even with the simplest of ideas.”
Tariq initially got involved when he sought guidance for an engineering project from his physics professor, Francesca Viale. She recommended utilizing the resources at the Fab Lab.
After completing the NOVA Makers course on Canvas, Aldalou took an in-person class led by Kai Le, an evening support specialist. He also received aid from Mihai Ziu, a dual-enrolled high school student, in mastering the Tinkercard program and Autodesk Fusion 360 software.
Additionally, he took an online Zoom course taught by Ziu to become proficient in the Prusa slicer. Currently, he dedicates two evenings a week, from 5 pm to 9 pm, to his lab projects.
Aldalou shared, “I’m involved in various projects, including circuit design and signal transmission. I tend to procrastinate, but the deadline for the design challenge kept me focused.”
With the design challenge behind him, Aldalou is now focusing on a remote-controlled plane project, echoing his childhood passion for making and selling toy planes in Syria. In those days, he applied simple mathematics and basic materials like glue sticks, A4 paper, pens, scissors, and paper clips to bring his creations to life.
Pursuing degrees in engineering and math, Aldalou’s initial career aspirations leaned towards piloting. However, frequent relocations and a desire for family time shifted his focus to computer engineering, fueled by his love for math and experience in building computers in Lebanon.
He credits his NOVA success to professors like Viale and Chinthaka Hettitantri, his calculus instructor, and appreciates the ongoing support from his high school counselor, Michael Todd, and the Fab Lab team, especially Kai Le.
Aldalou aims to graduate from NOVA this year with associate degrees in engineering and math, planning to transfer to George Mason University for a bachelor’s degree in computer science. His ultimate goal is a PhD in mathematics, aspiring to make significant contributions to quantum computing.