MESA Scholar Luciano Ponce Earns NASA JPL Internship, MVC President’s Award

Moreno Valley College (MVC) MESA Scholar Luciano Ponce has been selected for a highly competitive Student Independent Research Intern (SIRI) position at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). His internship, set to begin Feb. 10, will provide hands-on experience working on NASA’s cutting-edge science and engineering missions.

Ponce was also honored with the Moreno Valley College President’s Award at the 17th Annual Riverside Community College District (RCCD) Student Research Conference for his outstanding research on genome editing. His work, conducted under the guidance of Juhong Chen, Ph.D., of the University of California, Riverside, exemplifies the innovation and dedication of MVC student researchers and highlights the impact of undergraduate research in STEM education.

A mathematics major on the pre-med track, Ponce aspires to become a physician. Recognizing the need for a supportive community for students pursuing healthcare careers, he founded the Pre-Med Student Club at MVC and serves as its president. Through this leadership role, he is building a network of aspiring medical professionals and providing resources and mentorship for students navigating the path to medical school.

Earlier this year, Ponce represented MVC MESA at the Southern California Conferences for Undergraduate Research (SCCUR), where he presented his research to a broader academic audience. His commitment to exploration and discovery has set him apart as a rising leader in his field.

As a first-generation college student, Ponce has seized every opportunity to grow as a researcher, leveraging MESA’s support to develop his skills, engage in meaningful research, and connect with professionals in the STEM industry. His upcoming experience at NASA JPL will allow him to collaborate with world-class scientists and engineers, applying his knowledge to real-world projects that push the boundaries of space exploration and technology.

“We are incredibly proud of Luciano and all he has accomplished,” said Erin Cosgrove, coordinator of the MESA Program at MVC. “His achievements highlight the importance of research opportunities for community college students and demonstrate the impact of programs like MESA in preparing students for careers in STEM.”

Ponce’s journey is an inspiration to his peers, proving that hard work, passion, and perseverance can lead to remarkable opportunities. MVC celebrates his success and looks forward to the contributions he will make at NASA JPL and beyond.