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Doing Amazing Things

NASA Teams Up with Career Academy South Bend and Notre Dame Turbomachinery Lab to Foster Innovation in Aircraft Engine Research

South Bend, IN – November 8, 2024 – In a landmark collaboration, NASA representatives visited The Portage School of Leaders High School in South Bend on Friday to tour the facility and formally kick off a new partnership between NASA, the Notre Dame Turbomachinery Laboratory (NDTL), and the Career Academy Network of Public Schools (CANoPS). The partnership centers on innovative research aimed at creating quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft engines.

While NASA has collaborated with NDTL for several years on this cutting-edge research, this project marks the first time high school students at CANoPS will actively participate in NASA’s open fan engine research. As part of this collaboration, CANoPS students will produce 3D-printed stator vanes to be utilized in an Advanced Noise Control Fan testing model at the University of Notre Dame.

NASA eagerly welcomed the opportunity to engage with CANoPS students in this ambitious project.

“We were impressed with the quality of the materials they made for our test articles and knew immediately that this was a partnership we wanted to pursue,” said Dan Sutliff, a researcher from NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

During their visit, NASA representatives toured the school’s engineering room, machine shop, and several classrooms where students and teachers demonstrated an array of programs, including dual credit courses, robotics, and entrepreneurship. These hands-on offerings reflect CANoPS’s commitment to equipping students with practical skills that extend beyond the classroom.

CANoPS Superintendent Jeremy Lugbill spoke to the importance of inviting industry professionals to inspire students by sharing insights and experiences.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for students to hear directly from real NASA engineers who are out there doing this kind of work,” said Lugbill. “We believe students should be exposed to career options early on. By bringing professionals into the classroom, we’re able to offer students a glimpse into diverse career paths and give them direct access to ask questions and learn firsthand.”

The visit concluded with a Q&A session between NASA representatives and students, sparking an inspiring exchange of ideas and enthusiasm for the future of STEM. Sutliff expressed his admiration for the students’ skills and eagerness.

“After talking with the students and listening to them describe their projects, I was so impressed,” Sutliff said. “We can teach hard skills, but the ability to communicate, describe one’s work, and show passion—that’s something unique. The fact that these students can provide capabilities we don’t have and even teach us things is phenomenal.”

For CANoPS students, this experience illuminated the possibilities of a future in STEM. Lugbill noted that the visit has already left a lasting impression.

“Our students were inspired by the passion NASA engineers brought today,” said Lugbill. “Sometimes, one conversation or experience like this can completely change a young person’s career path.”

The collaboration between NASA, NDTL, and CANoPS is only the beginning. Through this real-world project, CANoPS students will one day look at the completed research and see their contributions brought to life.

“Anytime high school students see their work in the real world, it creates meaning and relevance in their minds,” Lugbill added. “Today is a day our students will never forget.”

The Career Academy Network of Public Schools (CANOPS) is committed to delivering forward-thinking, well-rounded educational programs that prepare students for college, careers, and lifelong success. The network’s specialized academies provide targeted career pathways in areas such as healthcare, information technology, engineering, business, and the arts. By emphasizing hands-on learning and building strong partnerships with local industries, CANOPS ensures students are ready to meet the challenges of the modern workforce.

Driven by a mission to empower students with a rigorous academic foundation, career-focused education, and a supportive, inclusive atmosphere, CANOPS continues to lead the way in educational innovation and excellence across the region.