Rockledge High School Graduate Named NASA Student Ambassador

MELBOURNE, FLA. — Edward Schwieterman, a junior majoring in astronomy and astrophysics at Florida Institute of Technology, has been selected as a student
ambassador for the NASA International Year of Astronomy (NASA IYA) program. With the award Schwieterman will receive up to $2,500.

He earned the award through his academic credentials and for an essay he wrote about how he might spread the excitement of NASA’s astronomical discoveries
within his local community and beyond.

A major responsibility of the selected ambassadors is to encourage undergraduate and graduate students to participate in NASA IYA activities and to help
generate enthusiasm for NASA’s scientific discoveries in astronomy.

Schwieterman distinguished himself this fall by earning a Universities Space Research Association Education Scholarship. Additionally, at the university’s
Honors Convocation in spring 2008, he was named the university’s overall Outstanding Junior.

He has conducted undergraduate research under Florida Tech Assistant Professor Niescja Turner, studying geomagnetic storms and magnetospheric physics. He
also has been a volunteer coach for the Brevard County Collaborative High School Science Bowl team the past two years.

A 2006 graduate of Rockledge High School, Schwieterman resides in Viera. He is one of 52 students selected to become NASA IYA Ambassadors this year.