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 My
name is Veronica Ann Zabala and I am a junior at Arizona
State University working under the leadership of Dr.
Ronald Greeley, in the Planetary Geology Group. This
is my third year doing research under the NASA Space
Grant Consortium. Currently, I am involved with all
aspects of investigation pertaining to the aeolian dynamics
of the planet Mars and how it affects the surface structure;
assembling data for analysis and selecting high priority
areas of the planet which will aid in the final decisions
of future landing sites, both robotic and human. My
work includes providing photographic support of original
Viking Orbiter Missions and Mars Global Surveyor images
(MOC) which will assist in these studies for comparisons
of aeolian features relevant throughout a three decade
period. Results from Global Circulation Models and these
previous missions will aid in these final results. Also,
I am gathering data for the Athena 2003 mission which
will be launching in the summer of 2003. Most of my
research has been that of processing MOC imagery, locating
dunes and calculating dune densities within high priority
landing sites, especially that of Gusev Crater and Elysium
Planitia.
Another project I have been really focused on this past
year is creating a dedicated Planetary Geology website
for the ASU NASA Space Grant. I am a strong advocate
for educational outreach and my goals pertaining to
this website is to provide educational outreach to the
general public. I believe this will assist with ASU
NASA Space Grant's effort promoting and inspiring current
and future interns to explore the discipline of Planetary
Geology, especially since ASU is heavily involved with
NASA and Space Exploration as a whole!
I have to say that my overall experience has been very
fulfilling. Words cannot express how gratified I am
at the opportunities that I have been given. While going
to school full-time and having the opportunity to work
on projects that are related to my goals, I must say
that the "hands-on" experience is something that will
benefit me and NASA as a whole. I strongly recommend
students who have their hearts set to work for NASA
should consider applying as a NASA Space Grant Intern.
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