University of Arkansas Student Works on NASA Chemical Sensor Project

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University of Arkansas student Trevor Hempel was selected as a 2010 spring intern with NASA's Undergraduate Student Research Program. Hempel is spending this semester at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

Hempel is working with NASA mentor Gary Hunter during his 15 weeks as a full-time intern in the Communication, Instrumentation and Controls Division. Hempel is working with microsensors to test chemicals at high temperatures. Current applications for these sensors include leak detection, emissions monitoring, fire detection, human health monitoring, and environmental monitoring.

"Trevor has done an outstanding job this spring and contributed in a number of significant ways to our program. He has worked on a range of aspects related to the fabrication and testing of sensor technology. His unique combination of skills and talents has allowed him to work at a level far beyond what would be typically expected. We've been very pleased to have Trevor work with us this spring," commented Hunter.

Along with his Undergraduate Student Research Program internship, Hempel is involved with Tau Beta Pi, Etta Kappa Nu, and the National Scholars Honor Society at University of Arkansas.

Hempel received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Arkansas in December of 2009 and is currently pursuing a master's degree in electrical engineering.