29/09/2026
From online study to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)… as UNE Bachelor of Science student Jaimie Duffy has learnt, it's always worth shooting for the stars! 💫
Jaimie has just begun a 10-week placement at NASA's JPL in the United States after being one of six students from across Australia selected for Monash University’s 2026 National Indigenous Space Academy.
While there, Jaimie will be paired with a mentor to work on projects and contribute to current research and missions, including work involving ocean exploration vehicles and research into microorganisms aboard the International Space Station.
“I never imagined studying science would take me from an online degree in Australia to researching at JPL,” Jaimie said.
“I’m most excited to be surrounded by people working on questions that sound almost impossible. I’m here to learn from the best, challenge myself and see just how far science can take me.”
Alongside her studies, she has spent more than three years working in community pharmacy, developing an interest in the ways science can be translated into real-world improvements in health.
At JPL, Jaimie will bring those interests into an entirely new environment, undertaking research in astrovirology and exploring how microorganisms behave under conditions relevant to space exploration.
For Jaimie, the opportunity also carries significance as a young Indigenous scientist.
“Being selected as a Wiradjuri woman is something I’m incredibly proud of,” she said.
“I hope sharing opportunities like this encourages other students to be curious and to put themselves forward for things they might never have imagined were possible.”
Read more about Jaimie's incredible achievement via the link in the comments. đź”—
