Horizons Fall 2016

47 NSU HORIZONS Vladimir Zeltsman is shooting for the moon, the stars—and the Red Planet. The 16-year-old junior at NSU’s University School is working with a NASA scientist (and NSU alumna) to help design a landing system for a manned mission to Mars. Zeltsman is part of USchool’s ASPIRE program, which teams students with mentors in the field so they can explore career options before they enter college. He is working on a Real Investigation Science Experience (RISE)—one of the program’s four modes of exploration—with Gale J. Allen, D.B.A., a deputy chief scientist at NASA in Washington, D.C., and a 2002 graduate of the doctoral program in business administration from NSU’s H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Setting his sights on a mission to Mars, Zeltsman was paired with Allen last year after a presentation she gave to students about NASA. The two would Skype every week and discuss project ideas. “The general idea was space related, but we didn’t know exactly what at first,” said Zeltsman, who likes to spend summer breaks at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. “Dr. Allen gave me ideas and suggestions and sent me materials as a starting point. As I did more research, I became more interested in Mars. From there, we started talking about creating a landing system for Mars. I’ve designed a concept, and I’m in the process of making it,” said Zeltsman, who plans to create a 3-D model on his computer. “If I need help with anything, Dr. Allen provides resources and information.” Allen said the project is making progress. “After several discussions, I’m working with Vladimir on a project involving a Mars human descent vehicle,” Allen said. “He has taken the initiative to learn software that we use at NASA and…figured out how to make it work. The project is progressing nicely.” Zeltsman’s design includes four pods, two unmanned pods for food and equipment and two pods as “habitats” for four astronauts. Because of the atmospheric challenges of landing on Mars, “one idea is that the spacecraft would land on Phobos, which is one of Mars’ moons, and create a settlement there, and then fly from Phobos to Mars,” Zeltsman said, adding that, “if I had the chance, I would go to NASA and help them build this.” The high school junior says he always wanted to be an astronaut. “I also want to be the person who designs and builds [the spacecraft]. After that, I want to be the director of NASA,” said Zeltsman, whose eyes have been on the stars since he can remember. “In prekindergarten, I remember vividly learning about space and the stars. I had a jungle gym in my backyard, and I would spend hours imagining it was a spaceship,” he said. “I was always very interested in space. I grew up watching shuttle launches. If a book had anything to do with space, I’d be the most attentive one in the class. When I got to middle school and high school, robotics gave me more of the engineering background.” At USchool, Zeltsman is a member of the robotics team, varsity rowing team, and the chess team. (He has played chess since second grade.) He is learning to speak Chinese and understands Russian. He is active in Boy Scouts. He has participated in the Fairchild Challenge, a competi- tion NASA created to test which edible plants can grow and thrive in space. His parents are NSU alumni— his mother, Nellie Sinkin-Zeltsman, received her Pharm.D. in 1996 from NSU’s College of Pharmacy; his father, Marat Zeltsman, received his D.O. in 2002 from NSU’s College of Osteo- pathic Medicine. Although ASPIRE is not linked to Zeltsman’s school work, the projects are a plus on college applications. (He hopes to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology.) “Colleges are looking for students involved in entrepreneurial projects and who give back through community service,” said David Spangler, Ph.D., director of community collaboration and the ASPIRE program at NSU University School. “Dr. Allen has given Vladimir access to NASA training materials; publications; and cutting- edge information about space travel, microgravity, and things that interest him. This has created a wonderful learning opportunity,” Spangler said. “Vladimir is very focused and dedicated to making this work.” “This is my first experience work- ing with NASA,” said Zeltsman, who plans to pursue double majors in aerospace and mechanical engineer- ing in college, then pick up graduate degrees in both aerospace mechanical engineering and business administra- tion. “It has been inspiring.” n