Eight First Nations university students have been selected for the 2026 National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA), a program that will send them to the United States for a 10-week placement at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Founded in 2019, the initiative aims to increase Indigenous representation in the Australian space sector and has supported 29 participants to date.
2026 NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Placements
The 2026 cohort includes students from various Australian universities who will be paired with scientists or engineers at NASA JPL. Participants will contribute to active missions and research projects, including studies on microorganisms aboard the International Space Station and the development of ocean exploration vehicles.
The selected students are:
- Jordan Roulstone: QUT (Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Information Technology)
- Jamal Woods: QUT (Bachelor of Engineering)
- Tash Lee: Monash University
- Jaimie Duffy: University of New England
- Noah Davis: University of Sydney
- Alaxandrea O’Brien: University of Western Australia
- Claire Weis: UNSW
- Alexander Cramp: UNSW
Artificial Intelligence and Aerospace Training
Jordan Roulstone, a Warumungu man, is the recipient of the inaugural Boeing NISA Scholarship. His placement will focus on the application of artificial intelligence in meteorology and space exploration. Roulstone stated that he intends to use the opportunity to improve current meteorological tools and solve challenges in space exploration.
Before departing for the United States, the students are required to complete a Space Boot Camp at Monash University. This curriculum covers foundational topics in aerospace, including aerodynamics, robotics, rovers, astrophysics, planetary science, and earth sciences. The cohort also visited the Boeing Aerostructures Australia facility in Port Melbourne, where they observed the manufacturing of components for Boeing 737, 777, and 787 aircraft.
Industry and Academic Objectives
The program is directed by Chris Lawrence, a Professor of Practice in Space Innovation and Security Capabilities at Monash University. According to Lawrence, the initiative provides students with exposure to international research facilities, including both NASA JPL in the U.S. and RAL Space in the United Kingdom.
Steve ‘Zed’ Roberton, president of Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, noted that the scholarship is designed to provide participants with firsthand experience in aerospace innovation. The students aim to utilize the training to build careers within Australia’s domestic space and advanced engineering sectors while encouraging future Indigenous students to pursue STEM pathways.
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