From OHIO to NASA

Allowing curiosity to take the lead is a hallmark of OHIO’s Honors Tutorial College (HTC). HTC students create educational experiences that include a flexible curriculum and one-on-one tutorials with renowned faculty. The college’s aim is to let exceptional, driven and intellectually curious students pursue their passions and discover new interests through tailored rigorous individual study. Students are encouraged to pursue every opportunity that comes their way.

This was the experience of junior William Hamilton, a media arts and studies major in HTC who started an internship at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in August. Hamilton has experience in software development; he was searching for a learning opportunity and saw the offering on NASA’s Instagram account.

“The internship focused on the Unity game engine, which I have become very familiar with in my classes in ECT [ the J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies ] and my work at the GRID Lab , so it caught my eye naturally,” he said.

Although the opportunity was interesting, Hamilton said he hesitated, feeling it would be impossible due to his academic responsibilities and financial constraints. However, HTC encourages its students to shoot for the stars with full support from the faculty. 

The college views it as an adventure for their students to take the initiative, building resilience and tenacity in pursuing their dreams and passions, knowing they have the support of the faculty. 

"The Honors Tutorial College places a strong emphasis on experiential learning both on campus and through study away and internships," said HTC Associate Dean Beth Novak . "It is always heartening to see students earn these wonderful opportunities such as William’s internship with NASA and I am happy HTC can help support him. By encouraging these types of experiences, HTC ensures that students are prepared not only for academic success, but also for meaningful futures."

The college's support encouraged Hamilton to take the chance.

“I decided to apply even though I wasn’t as confident,” he said. “I assumed I would never hear back.”

But he did. A few weeks later, Hamilton received an email from NASA expressing interest in his application. In April 2024, he had an interview with the project lead, and a few months later, he received his official offer letter.

“With the help of my advisors, my family, and college credits I acquired during high school, I made the journey south to Cape Canaveral for this amazing opportunity.”

Hamilton has spent the last few months making new memories with new friends, meeting influential people in the NASA community, bumping into NASA Administrator Bill Nelson , and learning more about the professional environment.

“The opportunity has given me a wholesome and holistic experience both in the professional and the social context,” he said.

“Everyone who works here at Kennedy Space Center has been friendly and warm, and each interaction has taught me more and more about life after college,” he said. “I stand out here as a media arts and studies major, surrounded by IT and comp sci [computer science] students and alumni, but I have never felt underestimated."

Hamilton has toured many areas of the facility, including the  VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building) and  Firing Rooms . He has also been privileged to witness historical events like the launch of the  Europa Clipper and the  delivery of the Artemis 2 SLS Rocket .  

“It has quelled many anxieties about my place in the professional world and given me many opportunities I never would have dreamed of," he said.

Hamilton has two months left at NASA, and he’s taking every bit of the experience in. He’s enjoyed the work and meeting the community. Most importantly, he’s happy he sent out that application even if he didn’t feel as confident about his chances.

“I can only hope that these next two months will be as interesting,” he said.