The Beginning: ARCS and Ashley’s
Creative Vision
Ashley Nilo’s story is one of creativity, opportunity, and the power of collaboration. As the first CSUN Art student to land a role at NASA JPL, her journey began with a pivotal project that shaped her future: designing the ARCS logo and branding. ARCS became the platform where Ashley combined her artistic skills with her passion for science and technology, setting her on a path to one of the world’s most prestigious space organizations.
Ashley joined ARCS as a Research Fellow and Visual Designer, where she was tasked with creating the organization’s visual identity. Drawing from her background in art, she crafted a logo that not only captured the essence of ARCS but also resonated with the diverse and dynamic fields of STEAHM. Her work went beyond aesthetics; it was about communicating the Center’s vision and fostering collaboration within its community.
Her design work at ARCS didn’t stop with the logo. She played a crucial role in redesigning the ARCS website, ensuring it was user-friendly and accessible for students, researchers, collaborators, and visitors. This project helped her hone her skills in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, which would later be invaluable in her career.
From ARCS to NASA JPL
Ashley’s time at ARCS was more than just a creative outlet—it was a launching pad for her career. Her work caught the attention of industry leaders, and she soon found herself on the radar of NASA JPL. Leveraging the skills she developed at ARCS, Ashley transitioned from a student intern to a full time professional as a Human-Centered Designer at JPL, where she applied her design expertise to complex space exploration projects.
Her unique background as an Art student, combined with her experience at ARCS, gave Ashley the opportunity to bridge the gap between creativity and science, a skill set highly valued at JPL. Ashley’s journey is a testament to the power of combining art with science, showing how creativity plays a pivotal role in fields like space exploration.
The Takeaway: Opportunities Through ARCS
Ashley’s story is a perfect example of how ARCS opens doors for students, even those from unexpected disciplines like Art. Through her involvement with ARCS, Ashley gained hands-on experience in design and branding, as well as exposure to the world of scientific research. This not only shaped her career but also made her the first CSUN Art student to work at NASA JPL—a groundbreaking achievement that showcases how the arts can lead to opportunities in even the most technical and scientific fields.
Ashley’s journey proves that no matter your background, with the right blend of passion, opportunity, and collaboration, you can find your path to success in places like NASA JPL.