St Colman's student set to take part in United Space School Programme

Conna local and St Colman’s College, Fermoy student, Fionn McKee, is among those selected to participate in the upcoming United Space School Programme this summer.

The Foundation for International Space Education (FISE) invites students from over 28 countries to Houston, Texas each summer to participate in United Space School. Fifthyear student, Fionn, is among the successful candidates for this year's programme, which takes place from July 16th-31st.

According to Fionn, he first heard about the programme while in fifth class at primary school when he attended the St Colman’s Open Night.

“I instantly knew that I wanted to do it. I’ve always had a passion for space, from going to the observatory on my birthday as a child to reading about black holes in my spare time today, so I didn’t have to think twice about it,” he said.

Fionn stated that his grandfather used to enjoy stargazing as a hobby and that his interest in science and space stems from an early age. His earliest astronomical memory is as a small child, peering into his grandad’s telescope.

“I have a few uncles involved in STEM. My uncle Mark co-founded a company called Solo Energy, that work in the field of renewable energy and energy storage, and I did a week of work experience there in TY. I would definitely say he’s been a big inspiration, seeing his passion for Science was really inspiring growing up,” Fionn added.

STUDY, STUDY, STUDY...

To apply for the United Space School programme, Fionn had to fill in an application programme and complete two essays. One on why he believes he is a good candidate for the programme and the other focusing on a space-related topic, this year’s theme being space tourism.

Ahead of the trip in July, Fionn will be prescribed reading, assignments and essays to be completed in preparation for the summer trip.

Host families will accommodate the students travelling from abroad, allowing them a chance to immerse themselves in the culture of the area.

United Space School’s organisation, schedule and curriculum are designed to provide the structure, knowledge, resources, mentoring and appropriate settings to complete the project, a 'Manned Mission to Mars'.

To provide the knowledge necessary to complete the project, a curriculum has been designed to provide appropriate training and development by instructors, qualified and knowledgeable in the appropriate disciplines. Civil and contractor aerospace professionals are selected to provide needs-based instruction in topics relevant to designing such a mission. Library and online research facilities are provided at the University of Houston Clear Lake campus.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

According to Fionn, it is his first time taking part in something like this and he hopes the programme will be beneficial.

“I hope to gain many things from the programme. Not only will it be a fantastic experience that will stand to me going into my career, I also hope to make new friends and meet like-minded people. I think the people I meet and the connections I make will be of huge benefit to me in the future, and it will undoubtedly be an experience I’ll never forget,” he said.

Sinead Maher, Fionn’s Physics teacher, commended the St Colman’s student on his successful application.

“This is an amazing opportunity for Fionn to meet like-minded people and immerse himself in an industry that he is massively enthusiastic about and in which he can excel,” she said.

We wish him well.