Por Karen Krynen

Tech graduating senior and co-salutatorian Wesley Bulthuis (CSEE ’24) has a busy summer before he begins his engineering studies at Cal Poly Pomona in the fall. 

Wesley will participate in the 2024 NASA Robotics Academy, a 10-week internship for high-achieving students interested in robotics. One of approximately 50 U.S. students selected for the NASA/JPL-sponsored FIRST Robotics Teams—and the first Tech student to take part–Wesley will split his time working remotely and at Houston’s famed Johnson Space Center.

In Texas, he’ll have the hands-on opportunity to help construct and test the lunar terrain vehicle and refurbish the space exploration vehicle, along with many other robotics-related NASA projects.

“I’m excited about this opportunity because it’ll provide me a chance to make more connections within the industry, along with the added benefit of learning new skills and sharpening the ones I already have,” he said. “I’m looking forward to meeting other young people in engineering and making new friends. And, I’m always up for an adventure, and staying in Texas for a month certainly will be a new and fun experience for me.”

“As I graduate from the Tech, I’ll take with me the idea that the world is full of opportunities, you just have to take them,” Wesley shared. “The biggest changes allow you to find out the most about yourself.”

Congratulations and best wishes, young man!