Monika BK’s Inspiring Journey from Student to Intern
Just months after graduating from Pittsburg State University, Monika BK turned her lifelong fascination with space into an extraordinary research experience.
A Remarkable Achievement
An international student from Nepal, Monika graduated from Pitt State in December 2025 with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and minors in Mathematics and Information Systems. This summer, she stood out as one of only 10 interns globally chosen to participate in the prestigious Lunar and Planetary Institute Summer Internship Program in Houston.
Groundbreaking Research
At the Lunar and Planetary Institute, Monika worked under the mentorship of Sabrina N. Martinez from NASA Johnson Space Center. Her research focused on analyzing recent landslides and boulder falls within Artemis candidate landing areas on the Moon. Utilizing her technical skills in programming and image processing, Monika made strides in the relatively new field of planetary science.
Monika’s internship also provided insights into research about Mars, Venus, and Europa, and allowed her to engage with scientists and astronauts, experiencing the NASA Johnson Space Center facilities firsthand. She had the chance to visit the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, drive a simulated lunar rover, and explore spacecraft mock-ups.
Past Experiences and Future Aspirations
Before this internship, Monika gained valuable experience as a web development contractor at LimeLight Marketing in Pittsburg, focusing on website updates and feature enhancements. She credits her time at Pitt State with significant academic and personal growth, expressing gratitude toward her professors—Tim Flood, Bobby Winters, and Jackson Ravindran—for their mentorship and support.
Now, she is keenly looking forward to her next challenge: graduate school and further opportunities to develop her skills and interests.
Words of Wisdom
Monika encourages current and future international students with a powerful message:
“Keep looking for opportunities and apply, even when you are unsure about your chances. There might be a lot of NOs, but it only takes one YES!”
Explore More
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Learn more about Pitt State’s Computer Science major: Computer Science
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Discover International Programs & Services at Pitt State: International Programs & Services
