Shooting for the Stars: Gavin Gonzalez to ‘launch’ third NASA internship this summer
Publish Date: April 7, 2026
Space--the Final Frontier. Or in Gavin Gonzalez’s case, an adventure in the making.
This summer, this Crafton Hills College student will embark on his third internship with NASA—an opportunity made possible through connections he made at the Yucaipa-based college.
“I wouldn’t have gotten this internship without programs promoted on campus,” said the 21-year-old Highland mathematics major.
Gonzalez’s journey to discovering an interest in science and engineering started at a young age thanks to his father, who had been a mathematics major.
When he first enrolled at Crafton, Gonzalez had plans to major in computer science. But a year into his studies, he began making connections in the engineering program through the college’s MESA program, which supports the success of students in the fields of mathematics, engineering, science, and technology.
“A friend invited me to attend an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics meeting—one of the biggest aerospace organizations out there, and it was really cool because anyone who is interested in engineering can attend, meet new people, and network,” Gonzalez shared.
Those conversations paid off and Gonzalez was ready to take on a new role: Intern at NASA with the Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California (home to Edwards Airforce Base).
Since then, the young engineering student has gained hands-on experience in several fields, including design engineering, flight operations support, and business. Gonzalez’s third internship will once again focus on design engineering, primarily working with NASA’s Aerostructures department.
According to NASA, the Aerostructures operation at the Flight Research Center is comprised of a highly integrated team with expertise in airframe structure disciplines like external and aerothermal loads and hot structures.
Gonzalez is expected to graduate from Crafton this spring and hopes to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona to continue his studies. Thankfully, he can participate in classwork during his internship through online learning options available to Crafton students who need flexible study options, he shared.
After Cal Poly, Gonzalez hopes to find full-time work with NASA or maybe a small aerospace company. Wherever the journey takes him, Gonzalez’s expectations and excitement for the future is sky high. He has some advice for those still deciding on a career path post-college.
“Internships like mine are important because you don’t really know what the industry you want to enter is going to be like until you get that hands-on experience,” he said. “The sooner you can get that experience the better because it can determine what you do for the rest of your life.”
The MESA experience at Crafton Hills College provides students with academic and career counseling, tutoring, professional development, special event invitations, and more.
To learn more about the program or other opportunities that could shape your Crafton Journey, go to www.craftonhills.edu.
