The Andy Thomas Space Foundation Partners in National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA)
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation has partnered with Monash University to provide $20,000 that will support an Indigenous woman studying STEM to intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory as part of the 2025 NISA cohort.
The 'NISA/Andy Thomas Space Foundation (ATSF) Indigenous Women's Internship' will see the selected participant's program costs covered, such as international travel expenses.
By removing financial barriers, the initiative aims to ensure that more outstanding and passionate Indigenous students can embrace this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Specifically, this new scholarship will empower Indigenous women in STEM, an underrepresented intersectional group in space exploration.
NISA, spearheaded by Professor Christopher Lawrence, Associate Dean (Indigenous) of Monash University’s Faculty of Information Technology and Faculty of Engineering, sees a handful of tertiary First Nations STEM students from across Australia train at NASA’s facilities – learning from its world-leading scientists, engineers and technologists.
‘The Foundation is delighted to support the esteemed NISA program and support an Indigenous woman to not only excel in her studies and develop new skillsets, but to further become a role model and advocate for the industry, inspiring today’s young people to see opportunity amongst the stars’ said Peter Nikoloff, Executive Director of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation.
The Andy Thomas Space Foundation is an Australian charitable organisation named after its Founding Patron Dr Andrew Thomas AO – a veteran of four space missions and a leading advocate for the development of the Australian space sector.
The Foundation is dedicated to promoting space as a domain for international cooperation and peaceful co-existence. It aims to support the outreach and education goals of the Australian Space Ecosystem by being an interface between the space community and the public. This commitment is reflected in its partnership with NISA that is nurturing a curiosity about space among Indigenous peoples.
“I’m excited to welcome The Andy Thomas Foundation as a NISA partner,’ said Program Lead Professor Lawrence.
‘This unique scholarship reflects the possibilities that can come when like-minded organisations across education, industry and community collaborate to create meaningful opportunities.’
Exemplifying the pathways from NISA, 2024 intern and Monash Master of AI student Carl Goodwin was also recently the recipient of The Andy Thomas Space Foundation and SmartSAT CRC 2025 First Nations International Space University and University of South Australia’s Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program (SHSSP) Joint Scholarship, to be held in Adelaide.
The SHSSP is a four-week intensive program that advances space studies knowledge through an expertly-designed curriculum curated by industry leaders and international space study professionals. It gives participants the rare opportunity to engage in a forum of global leaders in space studies knowledge and research, while participating in applied skills activities to extend their expertise and understanding of complex concepts.
“There are already many opportunities presenting themselves since returning from my internship at JPL a few months ago. I learnt valuable skills and made connections that will help me achieve my goal of a career in the space industry,' said Carl Goodwin.
'If you have an interest in space and study STEM I’d recommend applying so we can continue to grow our Indigenous space community. It may seem intimidating working at NASA but everyone was happy to help the interns grow and learn.'
Applications for the 2025 NISA intake are open, closing on Friday 28 February 2025. This transformative program offers an unparalleled chance to gain hands-on experience, build professional networks and represent Australia on a global stage.