The Hawai‘i Space Grant Consortium expands educational opportunities for University of Hawai‘i System undergraduates by awarding University Research Internships, HSGC URI, (formerly known as Fellowship and Traineeship Program) in fields that are relevant to NASA's goals. Two levels of support, research or trainee, are offered depending on the skill, knowledge level, and time commitment of the student. We support the national Space Grant agenda to help prepare the future generation of space scientists and engineers, and to increase the understanding and development of space. U.S. citizenship is required for consideration.

Fields relevant to NASA's goals are defined in its current Strategic Plan. These fields are mainly those in science, technology, and education that are focused on understanding the Earth, exploring the Solar System and the universe beyond, creating more secure, efficient, and environmentally friendly air transportation systems, inspiring students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and engaging the public in shaping and sharing the experience of exploration and discovery.

Prospective Applicants title.

HSGC URI Research Internship

All full-time undergraduates enrolled at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Hilo, Maui College, one of the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges, and University of Guam who have declared a major are eligible to apply for HSGC URI Research Internships. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must be sponsored by a mentor who is willing to guide the student for the duration of the award. Most mentors are faculty at the University but senior researchers or other qualified personnel at UH or elsewhere are eligible. HSGC URI Research Internship students are expected to work between 10 and 15 hours a week during the semester depending on their project. Financial support includes a one-semester stipend of $5000, renewable for a second semester for a total of $10000 per academic year. A travel and supply budget of $1000 per semester will be available.

HSGC URI Trainee Internship

All full-time undergraduates enrolled at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Hilo, Maui College, one of the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges, and University of Guam are eligible to apply for HSGC URI Trainee Internships. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must be sponsored by a mentor who is willing to guide the student for the duration of the award. HSGC URI Trainee Internship students are expected to work between 5 and 10 hours a week during the semester depending on their project. Financial support includes a one-semester stipend of $2500, renewable for a second semester for a total of $5000 per academic year. Or a one-semester Trainee Internship at $2500 can be extended into a second semester Research Internship at $5000 for a total award of $7500 per academic year. A supply budget of $500 per semester is available for Trainee Internships.

HSGC URI Group Research Internship

All full-time undergraduates enrolled at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Hilo, Maui College, one of the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges, and the University of Guam are eligible to apply for HSGC URI Group Research Internships. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must be sponsored by a mentor who is willing to guide the students for the duration of the award. HSGC URI Group Research Internship students are expected to work between 5 and 10 hours a week during the semester depending on their project. Financial support includes a one-semester stipend of $2500, renewable for a second semester for a total of $5000 per academic year for each student in the group. A travel and supply budget of $500 per semester is available for each student in the group.

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Fall 2025 HSGC URI "UH Manoa" Research Interns

Joaquin Natividad

Joaquin Natividad

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Project Title: Regression Rate Analysis of CAMUI Hybrid Rocket Engines

Mentor: Dr. Giuseppe Gallo

Joaquin Natividad is a Junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering. His research project, Regression Rate Analysis of CAMUI Hybrid Rocket Engines, aligns with NASA’s goal of improving the affordability, reliability, and performance of propulsion systems for space access and maneuverability. By developing and testing a CAMUI (Cascaded Multistage Impinging-jet) hybrid rocket motor, the team aims to increase the regression rate and efficiency of hybrid propulsion systems for small-scale space applications. Their main research question is: “How can we optimize hybrid rocket engine design to enhance fuel regression and thrust performance for cubesat-scale missions?” Through iterative design, computational fluid and structural analysis, and live test firings, the team intends to demonstrate how CAMUI configurations can advance propulsion technologies for future space exploration.

Fall 2025 HSGC URI Group "UH Manoa" Research Interns

AERIS SPATIUM

AERIS SPATIUM

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Group Members:
Charlotte Downie – AERIS Project Manager
Mechanical Engineering w/ Aerospace Concentration

Kenoi Salvador – AERIS Systems Engineer
Mechanical Engineering w/ Aerospace Concentration

Keegan Canine – AERIS ADCS Technician
Mechanical Engineering w/ Aerospace Concentration

Project Title: “The AERIS SPATIUM (Atmospheric Energy and Radiation Interaction Study. Satellite Platform for Attitude, Telemetry, Integration, Uplink, and Management)”
Mentor: Dr. Irfan Rashed

The AERIS SPATIUM is a collaborative student-led CubeSat mission at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, focused on developing essential satellite subsystems project management, communications, and attitude control to enable future in-house manufacturing. The team is working to calibrate and integrate the VIA atmospheric detector, ensuring it meets mission standards and can transmit data effectively. Efforts also include designing a cost-effective SatNOGs-based communications system and advancing the ADCS testbed to streamline satellite orientation procedures.

AERIS: FARAAD

AERIS: FARAAD

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Group Members

Kaolin Randall
Mechanical Engineering w/ Aerospace Concentration
Christian Petties
Mechanical Engineering w/ Aerospace Concentration
James Chang
Mechanical Engineering w/ Aerospace Concentration

Project Title: AERIS: FARAAD(Fabrication of Additive Resin Apparatuses for Advanced
Detectors)
Mentor: Dr. Peter Englert

The FARAAD project supports the AERIS CubeSat mission by developing custom resin-based components for space detectors. It aims to identify resins that meet space requirements like outgassing resistance and thermal durability. The team will test and manufacture parts for two detectors—CREPES and SEEs—using additive manufacturing, with completion targeted by the end of Fall 2025. This work aligns with NASA’s goal to advance affordable and innovative space technologies.

Dual-Oxidizer Hybrid CubeSat Propulsion System

Dual-Oxidizer Hybrid CubeSat Propulsion System

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Group Members:
Lance Bacalso
A senior who is majoring in Mechanical Engineering 

Tauren-John Magofna
A Junior who is majoring in Mechanical Engineering 

Sean Raymund Palacay
A Junior who is majoring in Mechanical Engineering 

Project Title: “Dual-Oxidizer Hybrid CubeSat Propulsion System”

Mentor: Dr. Giuseppe Gallo

The “CubeSat Propulsion System” team will focus on developing a novel propulsion system for CubeSats using High-Test Peroxide (HTP) and liquid nitrous oxide (LN₂O) in a hybrid rocket design. This system addresses the challenges posed by CubeSats’ compact form, offering an efficient solution for maneuvers such as station-keeping, orbital transfers, and rapid de-orbiting. This project aims to innovate CubeSat technology, aligning with NASA’s strategic goals and advancing small satellite capabilities.

Fall 2025 HSGC URI "UH Hilo" Research Interns

Joseph Winkie

Joseph Winkie

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

Project Title: Advanced Rover Control Software

Mentor: Christian Andersen

Joseph Winkie is a Senior majoring in Computer Engineering. His research project, Advanced Rover Control System for the Helelani Rover, aligns with NASA’s goal of enabling reliable remote operation of robotic systems for planetary exploration. By replacing the rover’s outdated ROS-based architecture with a modern server-mediated system, the project aims to create a scalable and efficient control framework. The new system includes a custom desktop client, an XMPP server for communication, and onboard software that interfaces directly with sensors and actuators. The main research question is: “How can we design a flexible, high-performance control system that enables robust offsite operation of planetary rovers?” Through phased development—including hardware integration, client interface design, and real-time video streaming—the project will deliver a fully documented and remotely operable rover control solution.

Paige Matheson

Paige Matheson

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

Project Title: “Determining Star Formation Rates in Medium Redshift Galaxies Using OSIRIS IFU Spectra” 

Mentor: Dr. Daniel Berke

 

Paige Matheson is a Junior majoring in Astronomy. Paige will be studying star formation in medium-redshift galaxies to enhance the understanding of galaxy evolution and the universe. By analyzing Hα emission lines—indicators of ionized hydrogen and star formation—in galaxy spectra, the study aims to use advanced tools like the OSIRIS spectrograph and adaptive optics on the Keck telescope. Leveraging insights from the James Webb Space Telescope’s infrared imaging, this work will determine star formation rates in medium-redshift galaxies, contributing to NASA’s objective of expanding knowledge of the cosmos for humanity’s benefit.

Fall 2025 HSGC URI "Honolulu CC" Trainees

Rocksat 2026

Rocksat 2026

Honolulu Community College

Group Members:

Kristen Chang: RockSat 2026
A Junior Majoring in Mechanical Engineering

Teal Hoffman: Rocksat 2026, ARLISS 2025
A Junior Majoring in Electrical Engineering

Ryan Vanairsdale: High Altitude Student Platform (HASP) 2026
A Senior Majoring in Electrical Engineering

Kara Walker: Rocksat 2026
A student majoring in Electrical Engineering

Mentor: Dr. Shidong Kan

Fall 2025 HSGC URI "Windward CC" Trainees

Project Imua

Project Imua

Windward Community College

Group Members:

Chase Fox
A Junior majoring in Mathematics

Christopher Klapperich

Beckham Richards

Ryan Vanairsdale

Mentor: Dr. Jacob Hudson

Fall 2025 HSGC URI "UH Maui" Trainee Interns

CanSat Competition 2026

CanSat Competition 2026

University of Hawai‘i Maui College

Group Memebers:

Elijah Custer
A  Sophomore majoring in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology

Jordan Dalessandro
A Sophomore majoring in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology

Rell Fitch
A Freshmen

Julian Malecha
A Sophomore majoring in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology

Sebastian Mcdougal 
A Sophomore majoring in

Zachary Montondo
A Sophomore majoring in Natural Science

Joshua Morelez
A Senior majoring in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology

Forrest Stolmeier
A Sophomore majoring in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology

Applications & Important Forms Title

NASA funding of HSGC URI students requires U.S. citizenship. Applicants must complete a formal application, submit transcripts and a letter of support from the prospective mentor.

Use the application for your current campus you are enrolled at. The application forms, for HSGC URI Research or Trainee awards, are fillable PDFs to be completed digitally and printed. Signatures are required prior to submission.

Applications are also available from Space Grant offices at Mānoa (POST building room 501) or Hilo campuses, Maui College, and the Community College campuses. You may call the Mānoa office for more information at (808) 956-3138 or refer to the HSGC Personnel page, or email hsgc@spacegrant.hawaii.edu.

Undergraduate application deadlines: June 15 for fall semester and December 1 for spring semester.

HSGC URI Group, Research, and Trainee Applications

Important Forms for Current Students

Additional Information from NASA

Mentors title.

General Guidelines

Serving as a mentor for an undergraduate HSGC URI student is one of the most effective educational activities a researcher or faculty member can do. Mentoring a student in his or her research or trainee project can provide that extra spark that makes a dramatic difference in the life of a young person and in their approach to learning. The HSGC URI experience also enhances a student's education and shows how science and engineering are really done, much more than class and laboratory assignments can ever do.

To help prospective and existing mentors with this important job, the Hawai‘i Space Grant Consortium offers these guidelines:

Research Ohana

If you have a large research group, feel free to share mentoring responsibilities with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Much science is done by groups, so this adds to the research experience, as long as the undergraduate student has his or her own, identifiable project. It is also acceptable for a postdoc, research associate, or specialist to be a mentor. If a mentor has two or more HSGC URI students, be sure that each has an identifiable project, even if the projects are related. For example, one student could develop hardware, the other software on an engineering design project.

 

Space Connection

Space Grant is a NASA-funded project, and everything it does must have a clear connection to space science or aerospace engineering. Thus, mentors must be sure that their students remember to discuss the link with space science or aerospace engineering, especially when writing proposals and requests for extending projects, giving talks at our undergraduate symposium, and preparing their final reports.

Student's Time Commitment 

Please remember that our HSGC URI students are undergraduates, not graduate students. They are full-time students, usually taking five courses. Consequently, they should not be expected to work more than about 15 hours per week. Sometimes a key challenge for a mentor is to be sure the undergraduate student does not neglect his or her other school work as they become engrossed in their research project!

Laboratory Duties

HSGC URI students are doing research or trainee projects. They are not student employees hired to clean the lab, run the copy machine, or do clerical work. Of course, everyone working in a laboratory is expected to do his or her share of laboratory maintenance, but we want to be sure that HSGC URI students are treated as researchers, not non-technical employees.

Looking for Past Participant Information?

Information about our previous participants have been archived! Click the button below to view our entire listing of former undergraduate fellows, trainees, and interns.

Wonder what they are doing now? Click the button below to view their current occupation.

Forms

Required: LTS Tracking Form (fillable online)

NASA requires that we gather data on the education and employment history of current and former participants in our HSGC URI programs. Your help will enable us to improve our programs and assists us in seeking new funding to continue our operations to support student research and to conduct additional programs. The information that you provide here will be kept private and not shared with anyone except NASA, our sponsor.

Image of hand on a keyboard.

Share Your Success Story!

Have a Story to Share?

If you are a past participant and have an interest in sharing how our Space Grant program has benefited you, we would love to hear from you. By doing so, you can help spread the word to others about how NASA's efforts in promoting education have made an impact on all our participants - like you! If interested, please click here to learn more. Contact us at hsgc@higp.hawaii.edu with a Subject Line of "Success Story."

Fellow Jeff Kleyner.

Previous Final Reports

Final Reports written by Space Grant's participants (2005 - 2014) are available online for viewing on ScholarSpace. Click the button to view their work in booklets, released by year.