Eight First Nations university students are set to complete a 10-week placement at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the United States. The 2026 cohort, supported by Monash University’s National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA), will work alongside scientist and engineer mentors on active space missions, including research into microorganisms on the International Space Station and the development of ocean exploration vehicles.
Building Indigenous Representation in Australia’s Space Sector
Established in 2019, NISA aims to increase First Nations participation in Australia’s space sector. According to program director and Monash University Professor of Practice in Space Innovation and Security Capabilities, Chris Lawrence, the academy provides students with experience at international facilities, including RAL Space in the UK and NASA’s JPL. Since its inception, the program has supported 29 students. In 2026, NISA was recognized at the Australian Space Awards, winning both the Indigenous Space Initiative of the Year and the Diversity Initiative Program of the Year.
Boeing Scholarship Supports Future Engineering Careers
Jordan Roulstone, a Warumungu man studying a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering with Honours and a Bachelor of Information Technology in Computer Science at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), has been awarded the inaugural Boeing NISA Scholarship. Roulstone, who grew up in north Brisbane and Caboolture, plans to focus his NASA placement on the application of artificial intelligence in meteorology and space exploration. Steve ‘Zed’ Roberton, president of Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, stated that the scholarship provides participants with firsthand experience in aerospace innovation, intended to bolster their future careers within the Australian industry.
The 2026 NISA Student Cohort
The students selected for the 2026 placement represent universities across Australia. Before departing for the United States, the group will complete a "Space Boot Camp" at Monash University, which includes training in robotics, aerodynamics, planetary science, and astrophysics. They will also visit Boeing Aerostructures Australia in Port Melbourne to observe the manufacturing of aircraft components.
The 2026 NISA participants are:
- Jordan Roulstone (QUT)
- Jamal Woods (QUT)
- Tash Lee (Monash University)
- Jaimie Duffy (University of New England)
- Noah Davis (University of Sydney)
- Alaxandrea O’Brien (University of Western Australia)
- Claire Weis (UNSW)
- Alexander Cramp (UNSW)
Jamal Woods, a Dunghutti man and mechanical engineering student at QUT, noted that the program serves as a critical step in exploring the space industry and learning from global experts.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Space Academy
What is the National Indigenous Space Academy? The academy is a Monash University program founded in 2019 to provide First Nations STEM students with placement opportunities at global space research facilities like NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
What do students do at NASA? Participants are paired with mentors to work on real-life missions, which include projects involving ocean exploration vehicles and biological research aboard the International Space Station.
How are students selected for the program? Students are selected from universities across Australia to participate in a 10-week placement. The process includes a comprehensive boot camp at Monash University covering robotics, computer science, and planetary science.
When does the next application round open? Applications for the 2027 program are expected to open soon through the official NISA website.