UCalgary PhD student turns internship into a space exploration opportunity

What would you do if you stumbled across a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity late at night while casually browsing the web? For Matthew McConnell BSc'24, a second-year PhD student in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Science, that moment set him on a path from Calgary to Québec, and from campus research to lunar exploration.

McConnell’s experience was made possible through the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Transformative Talent Internship (TTI) program. TTIs are skills internships that allow graduate students to explore and build upon their transferable skills and gain professional experience in a work-integrated learning context. These internships are not intended to be research placements directly tied to a student’s research project. Instead, they give students the chance to bridge academia and industry, test career pathways and develop competencies that extend beyond their academic training. For McConnell, it meant contributing to a historic space mission while sharpening his expertise in data visualization and immersive technologies.

A chance discovery opens the door

McConnell first spotted the internship posting by chance, tucked away on a space industry website. Though he applied with little expectation of success, months later he received an interview request. The offer came swiftly afterward, and suddenly, the lifelong Calgarian was preparing to leave home for an adventure unlike any other.

Relocating to Québec meant adjusting to a new city, workplace and community, but it also gave him the chance to experience the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) up close. Based in Longueuil, he joined the team behind Canada’s first lunar rover mission, contributing to the international search for water ice. His work focused on data exploration, analysis and visualization of rover instruments, with a particular emphasis on virtual reality environments designed for operations, training and public engagement. While many project details remain confidential, the opportunity placed him at the forefront of space exploration technology and gave him insight into the collaboration between engineers, scientists and industry leaders that drives these missions forward.

“My experience was fantastic! I got to meet some really cool people and work on cutting edge technology, and it will certainly be a memorable stepping stone for my career.”

Graduate skills put to the test

Although McConnell’s PhD research in computer science was not directly tied to space exploration, his expertise in game engines and C++ programming translated seamlessly into the role. His ability to adapt theory into practice reinforced the value of graduate-level training while showing how technical skills can apply far beyond their original context. Beyond coding and software development, he also gained a deeper appreciation for professional collaboration. Regular presentations, networking opportunities and fast-paced deadlines challenged him to grow in ways academia alone could not.

That development was supported by the TTI Advance program, a D2L-based course that helps graduate students set goals, plan their development, and reflect on their progress. McConnell noted that the professional development modules prepared him for everything from delivering an elevator pitch to managing his workflow effectively. For him, it was a clear example of how the university structured the internship to maximize student growth.

“The TTI course provided a great bridge between the academic environment I was used to and the professional world which was new to me. The things I learned in the TTI program directly translated into a professional setting, and I found myself being pleasantly surprised with how applicable they were.”

Internships that expand your universe

Looking back, McConnell credits the experience with expanding both his technical abilities and his perspective on future career opportunities. He believes internships offer a unique space for graduate students to grow as professionals while also building resilience, confidence and networks that will support them long after graduation. He encourages others to take a leap even if they feel uncertain, noting that some of the best opportunities arise when students step outside their comfort zones.

“I am really glad I decided to go along with the TTI program, and I would absolutely recommend it to other graduate students – particularly those without any professional experience as it provides a great stepping stone between worlds.”

As McConnell continues his doctoral research at UCalgary, he carries with him the confidence and connections gained at the CSA. His story demonstrates how graduate students can benefit from pairing academic study with experiential learning, developing skills that extend beyond the lab or classroom and discovering entirely new pathways for their expertise.

For graduate students considering their next steps, the TTI program offers more than internships. It provides the chance to turn curiosity into opportunity, to test one’s abilities in new contexts and to imagine futures that may not have seemed possible before. To learn more about eligibility, funding and program details, visit the TTI website and explore how the program can expand your academic and professional journey.