Students Complete Summer Internship at Virginia Spaceport Authority
Norfolk, VA – Virginia Spaceport Authority (VSA) celebrated the end of a successful summer internship program today during a ceremony at the Chincoteague Community Center. More than a hundred staff, family, and friends were in attendance.
Ten college students from across the nation converged on the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) in May for three months, working alongside engineers, electricians, and other staff in the various departments making up the Spaceport.
“This was an extraordinary internship class,” said Roosevelt “Ted” Mercer, CEO & Executive Director of Virginia Spaceport Authority. “They were working on real-world problems and giving us real-world solutions.”
During today’s ceremony, each intern was recognized for their contributions and had an opportunity to talk about their many accomplishments. Mason Lebakken, an engineering student at Embry-Riddle University, was completing a second internship at the Spaceport. He called it an “invaluable experience in a growing industry.”
“They were not just participants of the program,” said Sidnee McGee, Chief of Education and Intern Development. “They were members of the team.”
This summer’s cohort of interns represented nine colleges and universities and included the following:
- David Tonacci: University of Virginia – Business Management
- Mason Lebakken: Embry-Riddle University – Engineering
- Austin Thomas: University of Florida – Engineering
- Ryan Rigatti: Virginia Tech – Engineering
- Alena Anderson: Virginia Tech – IT
- Addie Remsberg: University of Tennessee – IT
- Brady Gibbons: Eastern Shore Community College – Electrician
- John Meckley: Old Dominion University – External Relations
- Kayla Jones: William and Mary – Safety and Quality
- Christy Bonefont: American Public University System – Safety and Quality
In addition to operating a premier spaceport, VSA is focused on providing educational and research opportunities in the aerospace industry. Internships are available to college and university students and community college students in qualified certification programs. VSA interns gain invaluable experience and exposure to the Spaceport’s day-to-day operations. To learn more about upcoming internship opportunities visit vaspace.org/education.
The Virginia Spaceport Authority, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, owns and operates the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) located at Wallops Island. VSA’s mission is to provide assured access to space by operating, maintaining, and growing a premier spaceport, stimulating aerospace-related economic development in the Commonwealth, and promoting educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Media Contact:
Lillian Palmbach
Chief of External Relations
757- 837-3304
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