About the SEI Program

The Space Engineering Institute has three components: an intensive undergraduate student applied research and mentoring program; a training program; an outreach program. Undergraduate Student Applied Research and Mentoring Program Students work with seasoned engineers who serve as both technical and personal mentors. One of the most beneficial experiences of the SEI program is working with highly motivated peers in engineering teams. In addition to mentoring, students have the opportunity to work on projects in support of NASA critical needs. For example, a team of students will learn many aspects of space ground operations, and will develop a ground station capable of satellite communications. Another team is building a very small satellite to take pictures of earth and do an experiment with smart material alloys. Another student team is working with the Khalstar novel star tracker technology that has the capability to image and recognize star patterns in two simultaneous orthogonal fields of view. Education and Training Program The SEI Training Program is multifaceted and includes learning both to help in the student's team project and in building engineering skills. Students are trained in space hardware fabrication skills that include mechanical design, electronics preparation, circuit testing, and performing numerical simulations. They work on a problem to become familiar with the engineering design process. They participate in small group discussions with seasoned engineers to gain an insight of what an engineering career is all about. The Outreach Program The SEI Outreach Program presents information about space systems engineering careers to: math and/or science teachers; high school students; counselors; and parents. The goals of the program are to: educate teachers, counselors, and parents about space science, space careers, interest students in engineering space careers, and interest students in engineering at Texas A&M University As an SEI student you will visit high schools, high school career fairs, and help host high school events in the Look College of Engineering. You will not only be ambassadors for the SEI, but for the College of Engineering and Texas A&M University. In 2004-05 the SEI Outreach Program interacted with over 3000 students, teachers, counselors, and parents. Come join us in this exciting outreach program!! Requirements for Participation in the SEI Program Be admitted to the Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University Be able to work approximately 10 hours a week Maintain at least a 2.75 GPA overall Participate in at least one K-12 Outreach activity each semester Complete program evaluations each semester Be an initiator and love to learn If you have any questions regarding the program please email or call Magda Lagoudas: m-lagoudas@tamu.edu 979-845-8768