UNF hosts NASA Day to launch space technology careers

Representatives from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center touched down at the University of North Florida for a daylong visit designed to connect Ospreys with one of the agency’s most competitive early-career opportunities.  

The event highlighted the NASA Pathways Internship Program, which offers students a structured path into federal service. Unlike traditional internships, Pathways positions include mentorship, rotational assignments and professional development experiences that prepare participants for long-term careers with NASA. The program is open to students across disciplines, including business, communications and finance, underscoring the agency’s need for talent beyond engineering and science.  

UNF has had more than 1,300 employers on campus so far this academic year to connect students to potential careers and help industries meet workforce needs.  

“UNF is really excited to further our relationship with NASA and provide students with the incredible opportunity to work in the space industry,” said Scott Curry, UNF Career Services senior director. “Partnerships like this help us connect our Ospreys with hands-on learning experiences and meaningful career pathways to some of the most innovative employers in the world.”  

The NASA visit featured two information sessions with a tabling event in between, giving UNF students the chance to connect directly with NASA professionals and learn about the opportunities available within the agency. For the last few years, faculty have recommended students to the Pathways program, but this is the first year NASA has spent a day on campus recruiting UNF students. 

Among the representatives was Joseph Maldonado, a 2022 UNF electrical engineering graduate who has since launched his own career at Kennedy Space Center as an avionic engineer working in flight controls for NASA’s Launch Services Program.  

From Osprey to Orbit  

When he and his wife moved to Florida in 2014, Maldonado enrolled at Florida State College at Jacksonville before transferring to UNF, where he studied electrical engineering and conducted undergraduate research. He also worked as a teaching assistant for circuit analysis with electrical engineering professor Dr. Chiu Choi, where he tutored fellow students in math courses ranging from developmental algebra to advanced calculus.  

He credits faculty members like Choi, who passed away in 2022 after dedicating 27 years at UNF, with encouraging students to approach engineering problems in their own way.  

“The professors at UNF really encourage you to think differently,” Maldonado said. “They’ll sit with you, talk through problems and help you figure out things in your own way. That made a huge difference for me.”  

After graduating from UNF, Maldonado began working at the aerospace company Redwire Space. Two years later, he joined NASA.  

In his role in NASA’s Launch Services Program, Maldonado specializes in launch vehicle guidance and navigation systems. His team works with commercial partners such as SpaceX and United Launch Alliance to ensure their vehicles meet NASA’s rigorous safety and engineering standards before carrying NASA payloads into space.  

Today, nearly two and a half years into his role at NASA, Maldonado returned to UNF hoping to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.  

“My advice for students interested in space careers is to find what you are good at and work really hard to achieve the goal. Be creative and try to approach problems differently, that’s incredibly valuable in this field.”  

Between information sessions, Maldonado and NASA education and outreach specialist Jarrod Bales met with students from across campus, discussing career paths and what it is like to work at Kennedy Space Center.  

“Having NASA on campus when I was a student would have been incredibly impactful,” said Maldonado. “Being able to see firsthand what NASA engineers and scientists are working on and realizing that those opportunities are real and accessible can make a big difference for students who are still figuring out their path. Experiences like this help students see how the work they’re doing in the classroom connects to real missions.”  

Amy Pagurko, a UNF junior double-majoring in mechanical engineering and astrophysics, described the event as a valuable experience.  

“I think it’s really important to have opportunities like this on campus,” said Pagurko. “When you’re trying to apply for internships or jobs, it can be hard to even know what positions exist or where your interests might lie. Being able to talk directly with professionals, ask questions and make connections helps you build relationships you might not have otherwise.”