PALM DESERT -- Scientists, not celebrities or athletes, are eighth-grader Melissa Cordova’s role models.

So it was like a dream come true for the John Glenn Middle School student when she learned that in a few months she’ll get to accompany a group of scientists on a research expedition to Panama.

"I was ecstatic," Melissa, 13, said. "I’m really looking forward to working with them."

Melissais just one of 22 students chosen from thousands of applicants worldwide to participate this year in the JASON Foundation for Education project, an expedition-based science and math program for fourth- through ninth-grade students. -- She’s also the only California student selected as one of this year’s young researchers.

The program’s mission is to inspire students to pursue education and careers in science, math and technology through exploration and discovery.

The JASON project was started by Robert Ballard, the scientist and oceanographer who discovered the wreck of the Titanic in 1986 -- and one of Melissa’s science role models.

"I think it’s wonderful (Ballard) is interested in allowing students to be able to explore and discover more about their world," Melissa said.

JASON travels to exotic locations each year and broadcasts live, via satellite and the Internet, to over a million participating students worldwide.

Last year, hundreds of valley students were introduced to JASON and experienced a research expedition to the Channel Islands through a satellite uplink at California State University, San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus. Melissa was one.

"I was so excited after it that I couldn’t stop talking about it," she said.

She later applied to be a "student argonaut" in the JASON program.

"It’s an amazing program that anyone would be honored to be involved in," Melissa said.

Despite the strong competition, she successfully made it through the application process.

"She had what it took," said Tootie Killingsworth, CSUSB, Palm Desert Campus assistant dean. Melissa was selected for her leadership skills, passion for learning and answers to a series of essay questions, Killingsworth said.

The Palm Desert Campus sponsors JASON in the Coachella Valley in conjunction with local school districts and with funding from two foundations -- the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation and the Irene W. and Guy L. Anderson Children’s Foundation.

The Palm Desert Campus this year again will provide JASON science training for teachers and the satellite uplink that will enable valley students to share in Melissa’s experience.

Melissa said science is one of her favorite subjects in school and has been an interest of hers since she was 4 or 5.

"I like science because it’s more of a hands-on subject," Melissa said. "You get to experience, touch and see what it’s all about."

She said she especially loves anything to do with the ocean and already has decided on a career in marine biology.

Her parents, Art and Cee Cee Cordova of Indio, attest to her love of the ocean.

"We never could get her out of the water," Cee Cee Cordova said. "And at Sea World, she’s in heaven. She’s really into whales and dolphins."

Art Cordova said at first he was reluctant to allow his daughter to go to Panama because it’s so far from home.

But he quickly was overruled by his wife and daughter.

To prepare for her role on the expedition, Melissa will complete assignments, conduct experiments and become better acquainted with other members of the expedition team through phone and online conversations.

In Panama, Melissa will accompany scientists and teachers as they explore Panama’s tropical rainforest ecosystems, geological and human history and regional culture and examine the various technologies and techniques used in real scientific research.

She will work with NASA researchers, assessing data from NASA satellites to examine the various rainforest ecosystems.

"It’s going to be an exciting experience," Melissa said.