WESTFIELD-Garrett Fitzgerald is one of four finalists in Xploration Station’s search for America’s “most passionate” STEM student.
Garrett Fitzgerald is one of four finalists in the 2016 #Student Astronaut Contest.
Xploration Station, dedicated to STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programming for young adults and their families, has partnered with Zero Gravity Corporation for the second nationwide competition tied to the FOX series Xploration Outer Space.
Fitzgerald, the son of Kevin and Theresa Fitzgerald, is a computer science major and physics minor at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. He is a graduate of Westfield High School, having served as captain of the football and lacrosse teams.
“I have been interested in cosmology and star gazing most of my life, and most people share in this wonder,” said Fitzgerald. “I watched shows like Cosmos and Through the Wormhole which explores topics in astronomy and physics in a popular way.”
Fitzgerald, noting one of his many hobbies is camping with his family, said there is “nothing like falling asleep under the stars.” He has two siblings, Sean, 22, and Eileen, 18.
Since the competition was launched April 1, students from across the country have posted three minute videos explaining why they think space exploration is important, as well as why they should be selected to fly on the world-renowned ZERO-G airplane, named G-FORCE ONE®, and be featured on Xploration Outer Space. Part of the competition included getting others to “like,” “share,” and “comment” on one’s video. While the competition deadline recently ended, Fitzgerald and the other finalists are awaiting word of who won the competition.
“The winner of the competition gets an opportunity to experience what it is like to train like a scientist astronaut and will also be featured on the show,” said Fitzgerald. “The Zero Gravity Corporation has a special plane which flies to the upper atmosphere and then dives back to earth to create a weightless environment.”
The all-expense paid trip to Sanford, Fla., for the winner will be featured in a season 3 episode of Xploration Outer Space.
Fitzgerald credits his parents for his thirst for knowledge.
“My parents have fostered a hunger for knowledge and a drive to be creative in my pursuits in all areas, from athletics to music to personal adventures like camping and biking,” he said.
As Fitzgerald waits patiently for the winner to be chosen and posted on the Xploration Station Facebook page, he remains focused on pursuing his modern astrophysics research at Union. His video submission can be viewed at Xploration Station.
“My ultimate career goal is totally undecided,” said Fitzgerald. “I am trying to equip myself with the tools and experience to work with and understand the incredible growth of technology and its applications for humankind.”
Fitzgerald said he would like to work in an astronomy related field, whether it is a telescope operator or a research technician, adding, “Anything which can allow me to innovate and be creative with my life. Studying computer science and physics at Union has helped me to get ready for a wide range of careers.”
This summer, Fitzgerald also plans to work at a cancer research start-up company in San Francisco, studying the reaction of cells to different types of treatment, using many of the same computer skills he has been learning from his astrophysics research at Union.
“More people need to look up at the night sky and simply be happy to be alive and well in an infinite universe,” said Fitzgerald. “The world would be a better place if we realized how miniscule and perfect life is.”
