Cranford – Four UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ students recently presented original research at the New Jersey Space Grant Consortium (NJSGC) Annual Meeting and Poster Session at Rutgers University, culminating a highly competitive, NASA-sponsored internship experience that engaged students in cutting-edge scientific and engineering research.
Representing UCNJ were engineering students Karen Agudelo of Linden, Erika Reid of Union, and Emmanuel Martinez of Rahway, along with cybersecurity student Marisa Fuentes of Elizabeth. Selected through the NJSGC Undergraduate Research Internship Program, the students spent the academic year conducting faculty-mentored research aligned with NASA mission areas and emerging challenges in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Guided by Chemistry Academic Specialist Dr. Sunjin Jo and Engineering Professor Jennifer Ebert, the students explored topics ranging from transit innovation and astrophysics data pipelines to material analysis for future lunar infrastructure and the modularity of launch vehicle systems. Their work was presented alongside research conducted by approximately 60 student interns from colleges and universities across New Jersey.
The NJSGC internship program provides undergraduate students with hands-on research experiences, professional mentorship, and opportunities to contribute to projects connected to NASA priorities. The program is designed to strengthen New Jersey’s STEM talent pipeline while preparing students for advanced study and careers in science, engineering, cybersecurity, and technology.
“These students exemplify the curiosity, determination, and academic excellence that drive innovation,” said UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “Through opportunities like the New Jersey Space Grant Consortium, our students are not only applying what they learn in the classroom, they are contributing to research that addresses real-world challenges and advances scientific discovery. We are incredibly proud of Karen, Erika, Emmanuel, and Marisa for representing UCNJ on a statewide stage and demonstrating the extraordinary talent that exists within our College community.”
The students’ participation reflects UCNJ’s commitment to expanding access to high-impact learning experiences that connect academic study with research, innovation, and career preparation. Through partnerships with organizations such as NASA and the New Jersey Space Grant Consortium, UCNJ students gain opportunities typically associated with four-year research universities while building the skills and experiences that position them for future success.
UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.
