Mark Jordan has always been interested in space. The 17-year-old read science fiction books growing up, and the idea of visiting space has always interested him.
“It sounds like something I want to do,” Mark said.
When he learned of a summer program at the Governor’s School for Space Science and Technology in Melbourne, he knew he had to apply.
“It seemed like a great opportunity,” Mark said.
Mark, a senior at Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College, was one of only 20 gifted students admitted to the two-week program.
He will follow a curriculum designed by astronaut Sam Durrance and space physicist Niescja Turner, get involved in research projects, tour the NASA labs and Kennedy Space Center, receive a $15,000 annual scholarship at the Florida Institute of Technology and meet with NASA scientists and engineers.
Mark is looking forward to meeting with the scientists to learn more about what their job entails.
“They’re actually doing something.” Mark said. “They’re actually learning and trying to expand their knowledge of the human race.”
To nominate a student for Youth Spotlight, email wvictora@nwfdailynews.com or call 315-4478.