Testimonials

International Space University (ISU) Summer Session Program 2007 (SSP’07) in Beijing, China, thanks to support from CFISU. The summer was truly a life-changing experience. I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing opportunity and I deeply thank CFISU for making it all possible.

While at SSP’07 I learned an incredible amount about all aspects of space through lectures from experts from around the world, workshops, panel discussions, and especially from my esteemed classmates. I enjoyed the lecture phase at the beginning where we learned everything from the rocket equation to the nitty-gritty of running a space corporation. I studied hard and was proud to achieve the highest grade on the exam, for which I was awarded an envelope that flew on the ISS with the very first crew. This is the coolest thing I have ever owned and I was speechless when I received it. This award was dedicated to Morla Milne, an ISU alumna who sadly passed away last year. That made the award even more special. I was touched and honored to receive this award and I hope to carry on Morla’s spirit and dedication to space.

The SSP’07 included 117 graduate students and space professionals from 27 countries, each with an interesting and impressive background and a unique story to tell. Everyone had different careers, educations, and talents, but we all shared the dream of enhancing space activities around the world and expanding space for the human race. I now feel like a part of a large family, dispersed throughout the world working towards a common goal.

The best part of the program for me was that it provided the opportunity to not only meet but to work with incredible people from all over the world. I was able to speak one on one with astronauts, heads of space agencies, presidents and VPs of space companies large and small, influential people in the space world, and leaders at the CSA. I tried to take advantage of this opportunity as much as possible, as I cannot imagine another place where I could get to know such an accomplished group. Many of these people I felt I made an impression on, and hope to stay in touch in the future. As an example, in the second phase of the program, where we focused on departments, I worked closely with some of the biggest names in the space life sciences world. Before the program I had read their books and papers and now I was speaking with them everyday and working with them on unique and exciting projects.

The greatest learning experience for me was the third phase, the team project. I learned so much about different cultures and the challenge of working in large teams to produce a unified and high quality product. Our team, named DOCTOR (Determining OOS Concepts, Technology Options, and Roadmap) was an incredible mix of highly talented and capable people from all fields. We worked tirelessly to produce three integrated products: the feasibility matrix, the midterm architecture, and the roadmap. The final report and executive summary show a small portion of the long hours and heart and soul the entire team poured into this project. While I was very pleased with the final product, perhaps more important are the friendships and working relationships I forged with my teammates. I plan to continue working with many of them in the future (we actually just submitted three journal papers based on our work at ISU) and I believe we are capable of big things in the space world. I might have met these people at some point in my career, but without attending ISU I never would have formed such strong bonds that will last for life and will hopefully help us shape the future of space.

I also got to live in China for two months, which was an amazing experience on its own. I immersed myself in Chinese culture, learned some of the language, and made many friends with the Chinese people, who were always friendly and welcoming. I saw incredible sights, watched the country as it changed dramatically right before my eyes, and ate a lot of Chinese food! China is an extraordinary country and I’m so grateful I got to experience it.

The ISU experience has really made an impression on me. I have gained knowledge and skills, devoted hours to interesting and unique projects, and established relationships with people from all fields and all corners of the world. I feel this program was a huge step in advancing my career, and as a bonus I have made life-long friends with people of such varying cultures.

THANK YOU CFISU !!!
Shane Jacobs

• Sponsors/Affiliates and Links

• Shane Jacobs Article
• Janine Symanzik Article
• ISU – Testimonials

• Sponsors/Affiliates and Links

• AUCC
• Bristol Aerospace
• COM DEV
• CSA – ASC
• DND - Défense Nationale
• ISU
• MDA
• OCE
• SSHRC – CRSHC

• Alumni

• CAISU