With a gust of excitement and the whir of blades, students at Justice Myron E. Leavitt Middle School were treated to a unique educational experience as an AW-139 helicopter from the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) made a special landing on their campus.
A Glimpse into Exciting STEM Careers
The event aimed to ignite interest in STEM careers among the students. NEST’s aviation operations manager, Mike Toland, emphasized the thrill of STEM professions, stating, “A lot of people don’t know that careers in STEM can be as exciting as ours, so we like to show off our aircraft and have our pilots and scientists talk about their career paths. We’re very proud of what we do.”
During their visit, members of NEST, including pilots, engineers, and nuclear scientists based at the Nevada National Security Sites (NNSS) Remote Sensing Laboratory at Nellis Air Force Base, engaged with students by leading them around the helicopter, explaining its functions, and answering questions. This interaction was designed to encourage students to consider careers in STEM, a field with increasing opportunities in Southern Nevada.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The visit left an impression on students like eighth-grader Jordyn Base, who expressed her aspirations by saying, “I want my job to be in aerospace in the future.”
Leavitt Middle School stands out as one of the few middle schools in Nevada recognized as a Governor’s STEM School. The institution offers a range of courses including 3-D printing, aerospace, computer science, women in engineering, and robotics. Aerospace teacher Alan Sabol noted the importance of real-world STEM exposure, remarking, “These guys are like pioneers to the kids. They’ve never met anyone who has done this before. To see STEM in real life is important because these are the kids who are going to be flying this bird one day.”
An Introduction to Drone Technology
The NNSS also showcased its Uncrewed Aerial Systems team, which presented several drones. This interactive demonstration highlighted the burgeoning field of drone technology. Toland commented on the educational opportunities in this area, stating, “There are degrees in drone technology. We have professional drone pilots on staff in our organization and that program is growing. We wanted to show these students the unique ways you can get into aviation.”
The Role of the Aerial Measuring System
Within NEST, the Aerial Measuring System (AMS) plays a critical role. Operated by the NNSS Remote Sensing Laboratories at Nellis and Joint Base Andrews, the AMS fleet, including the AW-139 helicopter, is always on standby to respond to nuclear or radiological emergencies both domestically and internationally. Since 1958, AMS has supported public safety missions, providing security for major events such as the Super Bowl, political conventions, and New Year’s Eve celebrations on the Las Vegas Strip.
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