Jermerious De’Joun Lofton, a senior mathematics major at Alcorn State University from Pascagoula, Mississippi, has been selected for a NASA internship for the summer of 2025.
Lofton will participate in the NASA ASTRO CAMP STEM Engagement Internship at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. During the 10-week, on-site internship, he will work with the Southeast Regional Office of STEM Engagement on projects aimed at engaging underrepresented communities and expanding NASA’s reach to diverse audiences globally.
Set to graduate in December 2025, Lofton’s passion for STEM ignited in fifth grade. “STEM has shaped who I am,” Lofton said. “Ever since I first explored science and numbers in elementary school, I knew I wanted to be part of something bigger. NASA felt like a dream, but now it’s becoming real.”
Initially considering a career in secondary education, Lofton’s experiences at Alcorn State have broadened his horizons. He sees this NASA internship as a significant step in exploring the possibilities of applying his mathematics background to make a real-world impact.
Lofton credits the support of two educators, Ms. Tinsley and Mrs. Udemgba, for nurturing his mathematical talent. “I want to thank Ms. Tinsley and Mrs. Udemgba for pushing me to become the great mathematician I need to be,” he said. “They saw something in me and never let me settle for less. Their encouragement and tough love got me to this moment.”
At NASA, Lofton will contribute to the ASTRO CAMP Collaborative Partners (ACCP) program by adapting educational materials, developing STEM engagement strategies, and collaborating with NASA teams to highlight stories and partnerships across the region and beyond.
The internship, sponsored by the Mississippi Space Grant Consortium, requires Lofton to travel to a NASA center for initial identity verification and badging.
Lofton’s selection underscores the excellence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like Alcorn State University and the power of mentorship in shaping future leaders in STEM.
