NASA Johnson Interns Shaping the Future of Exploration

7 Min Read NASA Johnson Interns Shaping the Future of Exploration NASA’s Johnson Space Center interns pose for a group photo in the Teague Auditorium in Houston. From left are Macie Landon, John Graham Reynolds, and Morgan Gridley.   Macie Landon — Moon Base Program Strategic Communications   Macie Landon shares information about NASA’s Moon Base Program with visitors at the agency’s exhibit during FIFA Fan Festival in East Downtown Houston.

Being able to translate complex concepts into media that the public can understand and take inspiration from is hugely important. Macie Landon Moon Base Program Strategic Communications Intern Macie Landon is helping tell the story of humanity’s first outpost on the lunar surface.   Landon’s path to NASA began with a lifelong interest in space, science fiction, art, and video games.

  “I had no idea I could pursue multimedia design at NASA,” Landon said.   “Everyone at NASA is so smart, helpful, and willing to share their stories,” she said.   “Without someone sharing the stories of NASA’s work, much of it would go unseen,” she said.

  “Explore what you truly love. ”     John Graham Reynolds — AI and Machine Learning John Graham Reynolds stands in front of the Saturn V rocket at Rocket Park. I am a small cog in the big NASA wheel, but I know my tiny steps enable a much larger leap for mankind.

  Before joining NASA, Reynolds worked for four years as a professional engineer.   “NASA is the greatest symbol of American ingenuity and a beacon for public progress,” Reynolds said.   “NASA is filled with smart people, but above all else, it is filled with people who are passionate about what they do,” he said.

  “Always be open to the ideas of others, and they will be open to you,” he said. “No one can solve every problem.   “Connecting with full-time staff and other interns has opened many doors for me,” Reynolds said.

  “Find what you love, even if it isn’t STEM,” he said. “Explore anything and everything that interests you. ”  Morgan Gridley — Photography   Morgan Gridley photographs activity inside NASA’s Orion spacecraft mockup at the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

NASA/Josh Valcarcel Seeing my work used to communicate NASA’s missions and milestones has been incredibly rewarding. It’s shown me the real impact photography can have. morgan gridley Photography Intern Morgan Gridley is helping document the next chapter of human spaceflight as a photography intern at Johnson.

From astronaut portraits and crew training to major mission announcements, her photographs help tell the story of NASA’s missions.   Gridley learned about the internship after NASA photographer Bill Stafford, an East Texas A&M University alumnus, shared the opportunity with faculty.   Gridley’s work included photographing one of NASA’s WB-57 aircraft during takeoff.

  “I consider every member of my team to be one of my mentors,” she said.   “When I first started photography, I mostly focused on landscapes and didn’t enjoy taking portraits,” she said.   “Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone,” she said.