Georgetown (Texas) – Junior Kayla Comeaux is one of 100 students nationwide selected to be a 2009-2010 NASA MUST scholar.

The Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology program offers one-year scholarships to undergraduate students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The scholarships cover up to one-half of tuition or $10,000 and give students access to tutoring, lecture series and mentoring from NASA faculty and peers. Award recipients who maintain at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible to participate in a 10-week paid internship at a NASA research center.

Comeaux is majoring in mathematics at Southwestern and pursuing minors in physics and economics. She said her grandfather had a lifelong career with NASA and stories about his experiences inspired her to want to work there as well.

“I want to use my skills in mathematics to help the space program continue to explore space and other planets,” Comeaux said. Comeaux views her MUST scholarship and NASA internship as an “opportunity to work along side great mathematicians and learn how they apply their skills in the field of space exploration.”

After graduation, Comeaux would like to work at one of NASA’s research facilities while attending graduate school in mathematics. She also is considering obtaining an engineering degree.

Comeaux is a member of Southwestern’s Math Club and also serves as a math tutor. She also plays on the varsity women’s soccer and women’s club lacrosse teams.