NASA’s Groundbreaking Initiative: Community College Project Receives First-Ever University Research Program Award

Great ideas and passionate people can come from anywhere. This year, NASA’s University Student Research Challenge (USRC) welcomed its first group of community college students who are set to make an impact in aviation research.

A team from Cerritos Community College in California is developing an innovative method to combat wildfires. Their project, called F.I.R.E. (Fire Intervention Retardant Expeller), aims to use eco-friendly pellets dropped from drones to safely extinguish flames.

“Wildfires are a significant challenge today,” said Angel Ortega, the project’s technical director. “Our aim is to prove that our drone can effectively put out controlled fires using biodegradable materials.”

Traditionally, only four-year universities participated in the USRC. This new focus on community colleges highlights NASA’s commitment to include a wider range of future innovators. “The University Innovation project offers various ways for students to engage in aeronautics,” shared Steven Holz, who oversees the USRC process. “These experiences help students build skills that can lead to more opportunities.”

The Cerritos team received their USRC award ahead of the devastating Los Angeles fires in January 2025. They expressed their support for those affected, stating their dedication to finding new ways to enhance safety and resilience in the face of such disasters.

The six members of Project F.I.R.E. are united by a desire to serve their community. With wildfires impacting Southern California, they are determined to find solutions that can help. “We want to inspire the public by showing that solutions are within reach,” Ortega emphasized. “Our work aims to contribute to a broader approach to wildfire management.”

The research involves drones that drop biodegradable pellets above fires. Once on the ground, these pellets mix together to create a foam-like fire retardant that is safe for the environment. The team aims to support firefighters, keeping them safe while they manage these natural disasters. They have reached out to firefighters for feedback, ensuring their technology meets field needs.

Project F.I.R.E. has roots in previous work. Before applying for the USRC, they participated in NASA’s 2024 Gateway to Blue Skies competition, where they earned the “Future Game-Changer” award. This event encourages students to explore climate-friendly aviation technologies.

Logan Stahl, the project’s operations director, praised NASA’s supportive environment: “We expected it to be intimidating, but the reality was quite the opposite. Everyone was welcoming, and NASA representatives truly engaged with us.”

The USRC grant allows the team to build on their earlier concepts. “Gateway to Blue Skies was about ideas. Now, with USRC, we can bring those ideas to life,” noted Larisa Mayoral, a chemical engineer involved in the project.

The team feels proud to represent community colleges in high-level research. “We are grateful to Cerritos College and NASA for this opportunity,” said Paola Mayoral Jimenez, the lab coordinator. “Through this project, we hope to highlight what community college students can achieve.”

For more details on the USRC and how to participate, you can visit NASA’s dedicated page for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate.