Discover How a Johnson Mentor is Cultivating the Future Talent of NASA

When Malvika Bhardwaj, a student at Rice University, approached her mentor Daniel Cohen, a Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C) engineer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, to inquire if he had the capacity to continue mentoring interns amidst his demanding schedule, his response was succinct: “You decide what’s important.”

Valuable Mentorship on National Mentoring Day

In commemoration of National Mentoring Day on 27th October, Bhardwaj reflects on the significant impact Cohen’s guidance and encouragement have had on her internship experience at Johnson. Through NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, interns like Bhardwaj engage with agency projects while acquiring valuable insights from mentors, alongside developing technical skills and gaining hands-on experience essential for a career in space exploration.

Bhardwaj, who is pursuing a degree in computational and applied mathematics at Rice University, is working with the GN&C team. This team is dedicated to understanding how spacecraft ascertain their position and navigate within orbit. Her current project involves creating tools to analyse thruster firings on the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle, aimed at ensuring a safe deorbit of the International Space Station at the conclusion of its operational life. Additionally, she utilises computer simulations to evaluate the vehicle’s control system and identify potential failure conditions.

A Culture of Support and Collaboration

“I’ve discovered a culture of community and support at Johnson and within NASA more broadly. Daniel made a concerted effort to introduce me to the team and actively involve me in discussions and meetings. I observed how team members readily assist one another, maintaining the momentum of the entire unit,” Bhardwaj stated.

Cohen, a proud alumnus of Rice University with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, began his journey at NASA as a flight operations intern in 2020. He subsequently undertook internships in docking dynamics, propulsion systems, and GN&C analysis before assuming his role as a full-time engineer at Johnson in August 2024.

His current responsibilities encompass the development of simulations and models for the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle, analysing its control algorithms and GN&C performance, as well as reviewing SpaceX’s designs during various life-cycle assessments. Moreover, he evaluates settings for the Orion spacecraft’s docking camera, which provides critical positioning information to facilitate navigation during future Artemis rendezvous missions.

Beyond the Internship Experience

Cohen extends his support for Bhardwaj beyond the confines of her internship, providing her with insights into the collaborative nature of project work and the exchange of ideas among colleagues. He dedicates a few hours each week to instruct interns on topics like orbital mechanics and control systems.

Taking Cohen’s advice to heart, Bhardwaj has recognised that how she allocates her time and energy signifies what she holds dear. She asserts that her internship has illuminated the fact that problem-solving is seldom a solitary endeavour. Team members contribute varying perspectives and must grasp how their individual efforts integrate into the broader project framework.

Expanding Horizons in STEM Careers

Collaborating with fellow interns in outreach, social media, and digital design has also expanded Bhardwaj’s understanding of the diverse opportunities within STEM careers. “Regardless of your interests, there is likely a role for you here,” she remarked.

She expressed pride in completing her inaugural project, which involved developing a set of analysis tools from the ground up. Navigating the debugging process and witnessing a fully functioning product was particularly gratifying for her.

Bhardwaj encourages students contemplating NASA internships to apply, even if they do not feel entirely prepared. “You’re probably never going to feel 100% ready, but a great deal of learning occurs on the job,” she advised. “Have confidence in your ability to adapt to new environments.”