Student Spotlight: Ethan Fitz

Ethan Fitz

Featuring some of our communities' great students.

Westlake High School senior Ethan Fitz is planning a career in engineering – possibly in the field of robotics. So his summer internship at NASA Glenn Research Center was a perfect launching pad into potential scientific careers.

Ethan assisted in ongoing research on droplet combustion in microgravity by analyzing and processing results from an experiment running on the International Space Station (ISS) remotely. He was part of the Glenn High School Internship Project/Small Business Innovation Program (GHIP/SBIR), an eight-week paid summer internship for students interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and professional administration at NASA Glenn.

The project, sponsored by the Educational Programs Office, engages high school sophomores and juniors in research and development under the mentorship of a scientist, engineer, technical or administrative professional. The project is designed to expand the students’ understanding of possible career choices available at NASA.

Ethan was involved with the FLEX (Flame Extinguishment Experiment) Project that measures the effectiveness of inert gases as fire suppressants in microgravity. Ethan said the experience confirmed his plans to go into a STEM career and provided him with first-hand experience in working in a research-focused environment.

The WHS senior is a National Merit Finalist and a five-year member of the Science Olympiad team, focusing on Experimental Design, Dynamic Planet and Robot Arm events. He also plays clarinet and is a member of the marching band and the Symphonic Band.

In elementary school, Ethan was fascinated by insects, specifically earwigs. Children’s author Suzy Kline was vising Hilliard Elementary School back then and chatted with Ethan about his interest. She even requested a copy of a report he wrote for a second-grade assignment. Kline mentions Ethan in a special appreciation section of her 2008 book, “Horrible Harry Bugs the Three Bears,” thanking him for sharing his report on “Extraordinary Earwigs” and indicating he was the inspiration for that book.

Along with pursuing his scientific interests, Ethan has volunteered at the Wild Summer Reading Camp at the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center for the last three summers. Ethan is an avid reader, favoring the science fiction genre. He also has been a foil fencer since third grade and still enjoys fencing.

Ethan said he is thankful to the community and his school for the many opportunities he has been given over the years, and he is especially grateful to the teachers who helped him through his school years.

Westlake High School senior Ethan Fitz is planning a career in engineering – possibly in the field of robotics. So his summer internship at NASA Glenn Research Center was a perfect launching pad into potential scientific careers.

Ethan assisted in ongoing research on droplet combustion in microgravity by analyzing and processing results from an experiment running on the International Space Station (ISS) remotely. He was part of the Glenn High School Internship Project/Small Business Innovation Program (GHIP/SBIR), an eight-week paid summer internship for students interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and professional administration at NASA Glenn.

The project, sponsored by the Educational Programs Office, engages high school sophomores and juniors in research and development under the mentorship of a scientist, engineer, technical or administrative professional. The project is designed to expand the students’ understanding of possible career choices available at NASA.

Ethan was involved with the FLEX (Flame Extinguishment Experiment) Project that measures the effectiveness of inert gases as fire suppressants in microgravity. Ethan said the experience confirmed his plans to go into a STEM career and provided him with first-hand experience in working in a research-focused environment.

The WHS senior is a National Merit Finalist and a five-year member of the Science Olympiad team, focusing on Experimental Design, Dynamic Planet and Robot Arm events. He also plays clarinet and is a member of the marching band and the Symphonic Band.

In elementary school, Ethan was fascinated by insects, specifically earwigs. Children’s author Suzy Kline was vising Hilliard Elementary School back then and chatted with Ethan about his interest. She even requested a copy of a report he wrote for a second-grade assignment. Kline mentions Ethan in a special appreciation section of her 2008 book, “Horrible Harry Bugs the Three Bears,” thanking him for sharing his report on “Extraordinary Earwigs” and indicating he was the inspiration for that book.

Along with pursuing his scientific interests, Ethan has volunteered at the Wild Summer Reading Camp at the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center for the last three summers. Ethan is an avid reader, favoring the science fiction genre. He also has been a foil fencer since third grade and still enjoys fencing.

Ethan said he is thankful to the community and his school for the many opportunities he has been given over the years, and he is especially grateful to the teachers who helped him through his school years.

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Volume 5, Issue 24, Posted 9:52 AM, 11.26.2013