Josh Islas

Proactive engineering intern fully invested in conducting Planetary Science and Robotics research by leveraging solid background in mathematics and scientific principles. Hardworking and professional individual with 5 years of experience working as an Astrophysics research intern in the Aerospace industry. Offering expertise in scientific software and ground-based equipment, including radio dishes and telescopes.

NASA L'Space Academy- Intern

 February 2021- August 2021

• Participated in a 7-member team to help gain greater insight and skills in NASA mission protocols, procedures and practices
• Responsible for scheduling and organizing the operations and responsibilities of every team member along with leading the group into different resources for parts and function of Mars Rover
• Team project consisted of creating a prototype for a Mars Rover that can be powered through Vibrational energy-harvesting generators

NASA NCCAS Community College Scholars - Intern 

 January 2021 - July 2021

• Participation in a 5 week online session with lectures, quizzes, and a final project
• Final project consisted of a Mars mission proposal and 3D model of an incubator to begin the process of seed germination using Lifeworks
• Chosen as part of a team to attend NASA Ames. Research Center and compete with other groups by building a miniature rover and enabling it to perform crucial tasks

NASA Ames Research Center - Intern 

August 2016 - February 2019

• Viking Files Antarctic Mission- Utilized Python coding to decipher and implement messages involving the repair of satellite microfilm scans
• Satellite Thermocontrol Engineering Prototype Project- Supported proposals contributing conceptual thermal designs and product development, leading to the prototype of an incubator for Mars' objecting of seed germination,
• Collaborated with colleagues and coordinated with mentor Christopher McKay on regular condition of labs current working stages and possible future missions for search of exo-planetary life

Mt. Pleasant High School - Assistant Teacher

August 2020 - January 2021

• Reinforced student learning of skills and materials through daily and weekly check-ins, informal assessments, and observations
• Created individual homework assignments for students based on their progress in specific sections of the curriculum
• Developed a free SAT prep program, which grew to 10+ students

Reach Pro Tutoring - Mathematics & Physics Tutor

September 2018 - May 2020

• Full-time teaching staff member; specializing in teaching students various levels of Math- Basic Algebra, Trigonometry, AP Calculus AB/BC, Vector Calculus, Linear Algebra. & Differential Eqts. for college students
• Provided specialized instruction for students who required customized lesson plans for SAT Math subject tests
• Elevated student performance in all subjects by at least 2 letter grades and guided students in test-taking strategies improving SAT scores up to 25%
• Served in a panel that was responsible for creating curricula, providing modifications, and developing methods of evaluation

City Year - Americorps Member

June 2018 - May 2019

• Serving 1700+ hrs of full- time service on a diverse team of six members to provide academic tutoring, behavior coaching, and a positive school climate to 250 high-poverty students
• Create and implement weekly academic interventions for 11 students to address critical skill gaps
• Analyze academic and behavioral data for 11 students to identify strengths and areas for growth
• Collaborated with partner teachers on a weekly basis to assess student needs and plan supports

• Upward Bound Program - Albert Einstein Award, Mathematics Award, Science Award
• Inland Empire Future Leaders Program - Became President, Leadership Award, Peer/Mentor Award
• National Society of High School Scholars - Lifetime Member