An HSD pupil has taken one giant leap towards his dream career after enjoying an out of this world opportunity.
Lochlan recently took part in the Scottish NASA Space school at Strathclyde University, a week-long programme featuring an eclectic mix of space-themed lectures, labs and workshops.
The (at the time) S5 pupil even had the chance to meet and speak to astronaut Doug Wheelock and NASA launch director Joel Montalbano, giving him an amazing insight into the exciting space industry.
The Course is run by the University’s Faculty of Engineering and seeks to inspire the next generation to pursue engineering-related courses of study and consider careers in engineering and technology.
More than 700 pupils applied for places on the course, which was recommended to Lochlan by Physics Teachers Mr Finch and Dr Brown.
But only 100 were selected to participate and go on to experience a range of engineering-based challenges, with input from Nasa guests who joined in some of the activities and held discussions and talks.
Lochlan said, “I’m very interested in exploring the space industry through Strathclyde as it’s the leading space/aeronautics university in the UK.”
“Both Doug Wheelock and Joel Montalbano surprised me with how simply their lives started when comparing that to the complexities of the stories from their careers that they told us.”
Lochlan was one of around 30 pupils to then be invited back to the second stage of the programme, from which eight go on to be selected to spend a week with NASA in Houston.
And although he missed out on the US trip, the whole experience has made a lasting impact on Lochlan.
“The second stage was even more fun than the last and I enjoyed it thoroughly”, he said.
“It’s probably been one of the most memorable weeks of my life and I hope it carries on further.”