CTE Month Spotlight: Computer Coding & Web Applications Students Partner with NASA on Deep Space Logistics & AI Medical Innovation

During Career Technical Education Month, Miami Valley Career Technology Center is proud to spotlight the Computer Coding & Web Applications program, led by Mrs. Melissa Goodall — a program where students don’t just learn to code… they solve problems for NASA.

For the past eight years, MVCTC students have partnered with NASA through the nationally recognized HUNCH (High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware) program. NASA HUNCH is a 23-year workforce development initiative that empowers students to design real-world solutions used by NASA engineers and astronauts. From supporting the International Space Station to advancing the Moon-to-Mars initiative, student work directly contributes to the future of space exploration.

Real Projects. Real Impact. Real NASA Clients.

This year’s senior teams are tackling three advanced projects requested by NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC-NEL50) and NASA’s Human Research Program:

Deep Space Logistics Module (DSLM) – Supply Chain Inventory System
Students are developing a digital supply chain system to support NASA’s Gateway program. Their work focuses on creating real-time inventory tracking, intuitive search systems for astronauts, and AI-powered logistics tools designed for deep space missions. The system addresses unique challenges including high transportation costs, autonomous operations, in-space manufacturing, and long-duration mission sustainability.

AI-Driven Medical Diagnostic System for Long-Duration Missions
A second team is designing an autonomous AI-based medical assistant capable of operating during communication delays and blackouts between Earth and deep space missions. The system integrates machine learning, generative AI, biosensor data, and multimodal reasoning to provide step-by-step medical guidance for astronauts with limited medical training.

Deep Space Logistics Module VR/Simulation Prototype
A third team is building an interactive virtual or simulation-based prototype of the Deep Space Logistics Module. The goal: maximize storage efficiency and allow astronauts to access supplies with minimal movement and touch. The updated 2025–2026 design incorporates a new layout focused heavily on soft and sewn cargo transfer bags, requiring innovative packaging and storage solutions.

Meet the Senior Class

The students representing MVCTC in NASA HUNCH this year include:

Cheyenne Buchert (Miami East)
Broderick Faulkner (Northridge)
David Ferriman (Miamisburg)
Tucker Gibson (Milton-Union)
Noah Reinke (Northmont)
Juynya Sakumoto (Tipp City)
Jackson Slamka (Miamisburg)
Kyron Taylor (Huber Heights)

Preparing Students for High-Demand Careers

According to Mrs. Goodall, students in the program are developing skills that directly align with high-demand Ohio careers, including:

• Machine Learning and AI Development
• Virtual Reality Simulations
• Data Analysis and Validation

“As the industry moves more toward AI implementation and development, the students’ programming opportunities — labs and projects — reflect that,” Goodall explains.

The program offers hands-on experience developing cloud-based software applications and database-enabled web applications. Students also explore Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, integrating devices such as Raspberry Pi systems, sensors, and robotics into their projects.

Learning Beyond the Traditional Classroom

What makes this program different?

“It’s more in-depth and more realistic to what they will do in the workplace,” says Goodall. “I can take them further with longer labs and give them more skills than a traditional 40-minute classroom.”

The lab environment features dual monitors, collaborative whiteboard planning spaces, and a conference-style work area that mirrors professional development environments.

College Credit & Industry Credentials

Students can earn college credit through Sinclair College and CTAG agreements in areas including:

• Systems Analysis and Design
• Python for Data Analytics
• C++ Programming
• Java Software Development
• Database Management

Students also have the opportunity to earn Certiport Information Technology Specialist credentials in Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Python, Java, Software Development, Databases, HTML & CSS, and Computational Thinking.

Career Pathways

Graduates frequently continue their education in computer science and related fields, while others enter the workforce as:

• Software Developers
• Software Testers
• Software Penetration Specialists
• Machine Learning Technicians
• Data Analysts

Students have also secured employment with organizations including UDRI, CareSource, and Woolpert.

A Legacy of Innovation

Mrs. Goodall brings 27 years of teaching experience to the program, including 14 years as an adjunct instructor at Sinclair College. Her commitment to staying current in a rapidly evolving field ensures that students learn technologies that are relevant today—and tomorrow.

Her description of the program during CTE Month says it best:

“Future-proofing Computer Science students. My students are doing projects that are not typically encountered before junior year at a four-year university.”

At MVCTC, students aren’t just preparing for careers — they’re helping shape the future of space exploration.