Scholarship and Fellowship Awardees
Virginia Space Grant Consortium funds four scholarship and fellowship programs, the VSGC Graduate STEM Research Fellowship Program, the Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship, the Community College STEM Scholarship Program and the STEM Bridge Scholarship Program. Meet our current and recent past awardees in all categories below.
Graduate 2026-2027
Navya Annapareddy is pursuing a Ph.D. in Data Science at the University of Virginia. Markerless Pose Estimation for Human Movement Monitoring in Confined Spaceflight Environments
Catherine Bare is pursuing a Master’s in Neuroscience at William & Mary. Early Calcium Dynamics as Predictors of TissueLevel Developmental Outcomes
Hayden Barry is pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia. Nanoscale Engineering of Josephson Junction Infrared Single Photon Detectors for Cosmic Dawn and Deep Space Observations
Kira Baugh is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Virginia Tech. Mechanically Robust Polymer Aerogel Insulation to Support Long-term Space Exploration
Lauren Bowling is pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia. Understanding and Controlling the Oxidation Behavior of Binary Refractory Alloys
Daphne Broski-Laing is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Virginia. I’ve Looked at Clouds from Both Sides Now: Assessing the Ramifications of the Homogeneous Atmosphere Assumption for Tidally Locked Exoplanets
Daphne Broski-Laing is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Virginia. I’ve Looked at Clouds from Both Sides Now: Assessing the Ramifications of the Homogeneous Atmosphere Assumption for Tidally Locked Exoplanets
Matthew Caulfield is pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Virginia. Understanding the Coupled Steam and Thermal Gradient Degradation Effects on YbDS/YbMS for Environmental Barrier Coating Applications on Turbine Engine Blades
Nicholas Chambers is pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at William & Mary. Three-Body Nuclear Reactions from Quantum Chromodynamics
Richard Chen is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Old Dominion University. Smart Molecular Cages for Fluorescent Detection of H2S
Mia Dorval is pursuing a Master’s in Planetary Science at Hampton University. Identifying Storm Activity on Titan Using Cassini VIMS Imagery
Chase Funkhouser is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at University of Virginia. 3D Models of the Upper Atmospheres and Cometary Tails of Close-In Exoplanets
Maria Guardado is pursuing a Ph.D. in Oceanography at Old Dominion University. Improving Satellite-Based Estimates of Blue Carbon Using Plant Structural Modeling
Kevin Herrera is pursuing a Ph.D. Atmospheric Science at Hampton University. Enhancing Aerosol Optical Property Retrievals Through Ceilometer-AERONET Synergy
Jordan Holmes is pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Virginia Tech. Towards a Machine Learning-Driven Auroral Prediction Model
Kiran Iyengar is pursuing a Ph.D. in Planetary Science at Hampton University. Thermo-Mechanical Planetary Evolution of Icy Shells and Interiors of the Jupiter Icy Moons/Galilean Satellites
Akarshna Iyer is pursuing a Master’s in Atmospheric Science at Hampton University. Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer Structure Associated with Coastal Low-Level Jets
Russell Kamback is pursuing a Ph.D. in Data Science at the University of Virginia. Markerless Pose Estimation for Human Movement Monitoring in Confined Spaceflight Environments
Simran Kaur is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Virginia. Astrophysical Probes for the Origins of Life: Early Feedback during Star Formation
Kyle Kellar is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Old Dominion University. Investigations into Abiotic and Biotic Transformations of 15N-Functionalized Lignin Models
Jonathan Kho is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Virginia. Supermassive Black Holes and their Origins: Understanding JWST AGN through Simulations
Anastasia Lajoie is pursuing a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering at Old Dominion University. Using a Reconfigurable CubeSat to Experimentally Determine Drag Coefficients of Irregular Objects in Low Earth Orbit MorphSat II
Collin MacDonald is pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science at William & Mary. RENEWAL: Towards a Safer Android for All
Samantha Orr is pursuing a Master’s in Chemistry at William & Mary. Reduction of Oxychorine Species in Mars Regolith Utilizing Cyanobacteria
Grant Pierce is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Old Dominion University. Determining the effects of a Lewis Acid in the Production of Co-polymers of Ethylene and Methyl Acrylate
Michael Sizemore is pursuing a Ph.D. Physics at William & Mary. Brownian Circuits for Quantum Information Science
Hana Thurman is pursuing at Ph.D. Geoscience at Virginia Tech. Uncovering Global Flood Magnitudes, Abundances, and Drivers with SWOT Satellite Observations
Trevor Tingle is pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at William & Mary. Microwave Atom Chip for Atom Interferometry with Ultracold Potassium
Gabrielle Troia is pursuing a Master’s in Geoscience (Geophysics) at Virginia Tech. Estimating Vertical Land Motions (VLM) and Investigating VLM Drivers in West Point, Virginia
Brendan Whitfield is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Virginia Tech. Preceramic Block Copolymers for Interface Topology-Controlled ZrB2 UHTCs
Ian Willebeek-LeMair is pursuing a Ph.D. Aerospace Engineering at Virginia Tech. Tracking Control for Quadcopter UAVs With Practical Stability and no Singularities
Sydney Willis is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astrochemistry at the University of Virginia. Modeling the Surface Chemistry of Oxygen-bearing molecules on Europa
Nathan Wintersgill is pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science at William & Mary. Enabling Robust AI Supply Chain Analysis Through Agentic-Based Generation of High-Quality Model Cards
Mykenna Zettle is pursuing a Ph.D. in Ecological Science at Old Dominion University. Modeling Tick Populations Using NLDAS Land-Cover Data
Undergraduate 2026-2027
Aiden Adkins is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Chemistry at Old Dominion University. Reversing the Haber-Bosch Process: Using Sustainable Electrocatalytic Methods for Ammonia Oxidation Affording Hydrazine, Diazines, Nitrogen, and Hydrogen Gas
Zachary Barnet is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Physics at William & Mary. Magnetometric Study of He Plasma for Space Applications
Emma Breier is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Astronomy-Physics at the University of Virginia. VSGC Research Grant Proposal
Dylan Manning is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Chemistry at William & Mary. Polypyridyl-Iron Photocatalysts Containing Amino Acid Side Chains for Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Nathan Okubazgi is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Virginia Tech. Designing a Low-Cost Optical System for Microplastic Detection in Drinking Water
Sara Radwan is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry Biochemistry at Old Dominion University. Sustainable Oxidative Degradations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water Using Bobbitts Salt for Environmental and Space Applications
Alexandria Rhodes is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science at Old Dominion University. Investigation of Marsh Dynamics at Ragged Island, VA Throughout Recent and Long-Term History Using Remote Sensing and Core Analysis
Zahra Rizvi is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Human Health at William & Mary. Machine Learning Integration of NASA Aura OMI NO2 and MODIS AOD Data to Assess Long-Term Air Pollution Impacts on Asthma Hospitalizations in Virginia
Marcos Santana is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering at Virginia Tech. Investigating Changes in Air Pollutants during Meteor Showers at 80,000 feet.
Cassandra Urann is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia. Effects of Composition of Niobium-Zirconium Alloys on Formation of Complex Refractory Oxides
Leila Walden is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering at Hampton University. Adaptive Fault Detection and Self-Healing Sensor Networks for Advanced Space Suit Systems
Cleya Whiting is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Materials Science and Engineering at Virginia Tech. Colloidal Processing of Yttrium Silicates for Novel Environmental Barrier Components.
STEM Bridge 2026-2027
Zoe Bastardi is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia.
Andrew Boateng is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Old Dominion University.
William Clemmons is pursuing a Bachelor’s Aerospace Engineering at the University of Virginia.
Tyler Francis is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Aerospace at the University of Virginia.
Mya Frazier is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering at Hampton University.
Lauren Gray is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering at Old Dominion University.
Emma Hemsch is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering at the University of Virginia.
Ananya Madaan is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Jenna Nguyen is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia.
Martina Ribera is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia.
Rebecca Vizcardo-Lichter is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Prophecy Wood is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Aviation Management at Hampton University.
Ashleigh Yaghmour is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering at the University of Virginia.
Jiaxi Zhang is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Aeronautical/ Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician at Virginia Tech.
Community College 2026-2027
Michelle Armstrong is pursuing an Associate’s in Engineering at Northern Virginia Community College.
Haden Barr is pursuing an Associate’s in Engineering at Brightpoint Community College.
Ryan Foster is pursuing an Associate’s in Engineering at Brightpoint Community College.
Boshra Zahin is pursuing an Associate’s in Civil Engineering at Reynolds Community College.
Graduate 2025-2026
Praneeth Bachu is pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science Engineering at Virginia Tech. AI-Driven Multiscale Computational Framework for Corrosion-Induced Degradation of High Temperature Alloys
Raphael Baer-Way is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Virginia. Multiwavelength observations of interacting supernovae to understand the lives of massive stars
Justin Biggerstaff is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biology at William & Mary. Investigating Barred Owl Habitat Use Along an Urbanization Gradient
Lauren Bowling is pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia. Understanding and Controlling Compositional Effects on the Oxidation Behavior of Binary Refractory Alloys
Daphne Broski-Laing is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Virginia. I’ve Looked at Clouds from Both Sides Now: Assessing the Ramifications of the Homogeneous Atmosphere Assumption for Tidally Locked Exoplanets
Marguerite Butler is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Old Dominion University.
Improving Quantitative Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) with Hyperspectral Imaging
Matthew Caulfield is pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Virginia. Thermal Gradient Testing Impact on Environmental Barrier Coatings (EBCs) Applied onto Silicon Carbide (SiC) based Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs)
Nicholas Chambers is pursing a Ph.D. in Physics at William & Mary. Three-Body Nuclear Reactions from Quantum Chromodynamics
Adrian Crawford is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Virginia.
Peaky Finders: The Search for the Type IIb Supernova in the Data Haystack
Ibrahim Eshera is pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Virginia Tech. Bats, Biosonar, Robotics, & Machine Learning
Alex Garcia is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Virginia. Metallicity in the Early Universe as a Probe for Galaxy Physics
Alexander Hatfield is pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Old Dominion University. Multifunctional Boron Nitride Nanotube (BNNT) Polyimides and Composites for Devices in Extreme Aerospace Environments
Jordan Holmes is pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Virginia Tech. Towards Enhancements of Auroral Forecasting through Deep Learning
Kiran Iyengar is pursuing a Ph.D. in Planetary Science at Hampton University. Comparison of Juno and Cassini Wind Retrieval Techniques for the Great Red Spot
Akarshna Iyer is pursuing a Master’s in Atmospheric Science at Hampton University. Meteorology and Boundary Layer Structure Associated with Coastal Low-Level Jets
Dean Klunk is pursuing a Master’s in Atmospheric Science at Hampton University. Calculating Photolysis Rate Products for the Future NASA PolCube Mission
Binh Le is pursuing a Master’s in Chemistry at Old Dominion University. Resorcinarene cavitand based morphologically distinct polymers as templates for iridium electrocatalysts
Jonathan Lucy is pursuing a Ph.D. in Geosciences at Virginia Tech. Quantifying Infrastructure Resilience to Land Subsidence Hazards in Alaska by Leveraging Spaceborne InSAR Measurements and Mapping
Zachary Luyo is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at Old Dominion University. Compare the independent and synergistic effects of spaceflight stressors on secreted cytokines in astrocyte and microglia between sexes
Collin MacDonald is pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science at William & Mary. Towards a Safer Android for All
Rebecca Martin is pursuing a Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering at Virginia Tech. Systematic Design of Polymer-Ionic Composite Particles for Carbon Capture
Caroline Morin is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia. Electrochemical Leaching for Selective Metal Extraction from Lunar Regolith
Grant Pierce is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Old Dominion University. Development of Polymerization Catalysts with Pendant Lewis Acids
Christopher Schappi is pursuing a Master’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Old Dominion University. Characterization of a Novel Tow-Steered Thin Ply Thermoplastic Boom for Small Satellite Missions
Peter Scheible is pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science at Old Dominion University. Multi-Batch Integration for the Development of an Adaptive Cell Atlas for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Michael Sizemore is pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at William & Mary. Brownian Circuits for Quantum Information Science
Adam Slater is pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Virginia. Space-Based Computing with Electronic-Photonic Hardware Accelerators
Reynier Squillace is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Virginia. Methods and Applications of Pulsar Injections into the Power Spectrum
Imoen Hawthoerne is pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia. Viability of Xenotime-Type Rare Earth Orthophosphates as High-Temperature Environmental Barrier Coatings
Trevor Tingle is pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at William & Mary. Ultracold Potassium and Microwave Atom Chip for Atom Interferometry
Benjamin Wade is pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Virginia. Evolving intermediate mass-ratio inspirals in the presence of dark matter
Sydney Willis is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Virginia. Modeling the Surface Chemistry of Oxygen-bearing molecules on Europa
Jasmin Zeineddine is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia. Modeling Muscle Regeneration in Microgravity
Undergraduate 2025-2026
Ruth Akpalu is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering at Old Dominion University. FlatSat-Based Testing of Security and Resilience for CubeSat Communications
Niya Buckner is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry at Hampton University. Molecular-Switch Embedded Nanocomposite and Phase-Change Materials for Energy Storage and Sensing Applications
Ryan Cody is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Engineering Physics and Applied Design at William & Mary. Design and development of a high-performance rocket featuring real-time trajectory control and Autonomous landing drone deployment
Jamison Hines is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Physics and Computational Applied Mathematics & Statistics at William & Mary. Development of Topological Data Analysis Techniques for Noisy and Sparse 2D Time-Dependent Datasets
Rachel Huang is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at William & Mary. Implementing the ZX-Calculus Quantum Optimization Method for 4 Established Quantum Circuits and Quantifying Its Effectiveness
Paul Keleman is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Physics at William & Mary. Measuring the Thermal Conductivity of Thick-film AlN/AlON for Microwave Heat-sink Applications in Atom Interferometry
Diego Luque is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech. Testing Viability of Solid Amine-Based Adsorption Methods for Carbon Scrubbing in Space
Colleen Piccolo is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech. Physical and Simulated Test Cases of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Michael Roberts-Tsoukkas is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering at Virginia Tech. Cycler Orbit Families with Stable Subfamilies: Eccentricity and Regions of Stable Motion
Ben Steinman is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Physics at William & Mary. Harnessing TICT for Blink-Based Multiplexing and Nanoreporting in Microgravity Environments
Brandon Taylor is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering at Old Dominion University. Mars Propeller Design and Aerodynamic Testing
Zoe Zmuda is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biology at William & Mary. Elucidating the Effect of MK-STYX KIM Domain Mutation on Docking to MAPK
STEM Bridge 2025-2026
Feyishola Ashimi is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Science at Old Dominion University.
Ella Brady is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Mohamed Datt is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Old Dominion University.
John Fraser is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Physics at Old Dominion University.
Nurdin Hossain is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at the University of Virginia.
Vaughn Huey is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Hampton University.
Mason Johnson is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity at Hampton University.
Danae Ludy is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Hampton University.
Vidal Martinez is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Carlycia Mathis is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Old Dominion University.
Nya Moore is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Architecture at Hampton University.
Imani Moultrie is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Integrative Biology at Hampton University.
Julianna Pledgie is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biology at the University of Virginia.
Nailah Prophett is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Chemistry at Hampton University.
Tyler Rector is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences at Old Dominion University.
Steven Sadek is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Chianti Stephens is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Informational Systems at Hampton University.
Christian Stokes is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Hampton University.
Nyla Thompson is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Marine and Environmental Science at Hampton University.
Ethan Williams is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Hampton University.
Joy Williams is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering at Hampton University.
Abel Yemer is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering Technology at Old Dominion University.
Community College 2025-2026
Aidan Hoo is pursuing an Associate’s in Computer Science at Northern Virginia Community College.
Colin McClintic is pursuing an Associate’s in Engineering at Southwest Virginia Community College.
Ayden Knowles is pursuing an Associate’s in Engineering: Computer Science at Virginia Western Community College.
Delilah Saloman is pursuing an Associate’s in Engineering at Northern Virginia Community College.
Holly Sanders is pursuing an Associate’s in Physical Science at Central Virginia Community College.
Aidan Michael Silversmith is pursuing an Associate’s in Engineering at Brightpoint Community College.
Graduate 2024-2025
Garrett Asper is pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Toward a Fault-Tolerant Control Allocation Evaluation Framework for eVTOL Aircraft
Raphael Baer-Way is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Virginia.
Multiwavelength Autopsies of Interacting Supernovae to Uncover Their Birth Stars
Bruce Barbour is pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Fast Evaluation of Passive Safety in Near-Field Operations
Robert Behary is pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at William & Mary.
Non-Invasive Electric Field Sensor for Imaging Charged Particle Beams and Plasmas
Jessica Besnier is pursuing a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at the University of Virginia.
Monitoring and Predicting Hydrological Extremes Using Remote Sensing and Machine Learning
De’Ajree Branch is pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Virginia.
Recreating Riverine Fluid Dynamics in the UVA Water Channel
Marguerite Butler is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Old Dominion University.
Quantification of the Antiviral Drug Emtricitabine (FTC) in Human Plasma by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)
Giovanna Camacho is pursing a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering at the University of Virginia.Evaluating Technology to Improve Tactile Navigation and Communication
Adrian Crawford is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Virginia.
Two Peak or Not Two Peak? Identifying Doubly-Peaked IIb Supernovae in Live-Stream Large-Scale Astronomical Surveys
Julia DeFeo is pursuing a Ph.D. in Forestry at Virginia Tech.
Effects of Prescribed Fire on Leaf Function, Non-structural Carbohydrate Formation, and Nutrient Allocation in Pinus echinata Stands
Nicolas DeStefano is pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at William & Mary. Profiling Charged Particle Beams with Atomic Magnetometers
Peter Forstner is pursuing a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science at Virginia Tech.
Mitigation and Breakdown of Perchlorate Contamination in Martian Soil Via Plants
Alex Garcia is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Virginia.
Metallicity in the Early Universe as a Probe for Galaxy Physics: Laying the Groundwork for JWST
Christopher Garza is pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Non-Equilibrium Phenomena in Solid-State Materials Determined by the Steepest-Entropy-Ascent Quantum Thermodynamic Framework
Lee Gill is pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Advanced Device Reliability Characterization Modeling and Analysis
Will Jeffries is pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at Old Dominion University.
Researching Lutetium as a Trapped Ion Qubit
Charles Leroux is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia.
Polymer Separators for High Temperature Lithium Sulfur Batteries
Theodore Mackey is pursuing a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science at Hampton University.
Utilizing Radar Systems with High Temporal Resolution to Unpack Latent Heat Release in the Hampton Roads Areas
Rebecca Martin is pursuing a Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Systematic Design of Polymer-Ionic Composite Particles for Carbon Capture
Caroline McCormick is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Virginia.
Red Supergiant Nucleosynthesis and Mixing in the Magellanic Clouds
William Quintana is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech.
High Modulus, Recyclable, Fully Thermoplastic Composites for Aeronautical Applications
Malabika Ray is pursuing a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Advancing Understanding of Gravity Waves using Satellite Observations from Stratosphere to Lower Mesosphere
Todd Reynolds is pursuing a master’s in chemistry at William & Mary.
Bio-inspired Catalysts for the Solar-Driven Production of Hydrogen Gas
Peter Scheible is pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science at Old Dominion University.
Adaptive Multimodal Atlas of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Adam Slater is pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Virginia.
Space-Based Computing with Electronic-Photonic Hardware Accelerators
Reynier Squillace is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Virginia.
Faint Pulsar Searching
Trevor Stalnaker is pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science at William & Mary.
Software Bills of Material as a Solution in the Software Supply Chain
Shannon Stephens is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Old Dominion University.
Predicting Photochemical Degradation of Dissolved Organic Matter Through Machine Learning Models
Zoie Telkamp is pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Virginia.
Navigating the Origins of Life Through Protostellar Formation and Chemistry
Prescott Vayda is pursuing a Ph.D. in Geosciences at Virginia Tech.
Discerning Biogenic from Abiogenic Phosphates in the Fossil Record with Applications for the Search for Life on Mars
Ian Willebeek-LeMair is pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Aircraft-Specific Data-Driven Physics-Based Modeling for Airworthiness Certification
Yasmina Zeineddine is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia.
Modeling Muscle Regeneration in Microgravity
Brielle Shope is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Virginia. Modeling the Origins of Complex Organic Molecules During Solar-type Star Formation
Undergraduate 2024-2025
Jessica Dodson is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Optimizing Crop Cultivation on the International Space Station by Improving Plant Desiccation-Tolerance with Tardigrade Proteins
Elisabeth Fink is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biology at William & Mary,
Environmentally Induced Larval Cloning in Asterias forbesi
Kaitlyn Gross is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Ocean and Earth Science at Old Dominion University.
Frequency of Hurricanes in Newfoundland Using Sediment Cores
Sydney Hulse is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Materials Science and Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Understanding the Role of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes in Multi-scale Porous Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics
Madeline Kronebusch is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Geosciences at Virginia Tech.
Comparison of Vertical Land Motion Solutions in the Chesapeake Bay
Ian Kung is pursuing a Bachelor’s in CAMS Applied Statistics at William & Mary.
Modeling Thermoacoustic Instability Using Statistics and Computational Dynamics
Cassandre Morel is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Physics at the University of Virginia.
Thermal Diffusion of Alkali Metals in Mercury’s Regolith
Myles Perry is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering at Old Dominion University.
Non-local Electron Kinetic Fluid Models for Development of Predictive Tools for Plasma Assisted Combustion/Ignition
Max Rackley is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Neuroscience at William & Mary.
Structural Adaptations to the Neuromuscular System in Response to Microgravity During Critical Periods of Development
Christopher Recupero is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science Engineering at the University of Virginia.
Comparing Ultra-High Temperature Oxidation Mechanisms of Hafnium and Hafnium-Carbide for Hypersonic Applications
Erum Vohra is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Astronomy-Physics and Mathematics at the University of Virginia.
Radio Emission from “Isolated” Massive Protostars
Josh Wager is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Physics at Old Dominion University.
Characterizing and Developing Multiple Methods to Load Barium into an Ion Trap via Ablation
Tyler White is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry at Old Dominion University.
Resorcinarene cavitand thiol Mediated Synthesis of Tailorable Nanowire Electrocatalysts
STEM Bridge 2024-2025
Erika Adu is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering at Old Dominion University.
Chelsea Agyei is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry at Hampton University.
Anthony Akins is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering at Hampton University.
Jasmine Bellinger is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry at Hampton University.
Alana Canty is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences at Old Dominion University.
Erwin Castro Zamora is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Madison DiGuilio is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Physics at Virginia Tech.
Julian Hall is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Aviation Management at Hampton University.
Jamison Hines is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Physics at William & Mary.
Aniya Hopson is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity at Hampton University.
Rachel Huang is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at William & Mary.
Amika Kapoor is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Physics at the University of Virginia.
Kaitlyn Levine is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Physics at Old Dominion University.
Bianca Linares is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at the University of Virginia.
Diego Luque is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech.
La’valle Marfo is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Microbiology at Virginia Tech.
Jasmine Mark is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Hampton University.
Nonso Okafo is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering at Old Dominion University.
Colleen Piccolo is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Eric Preston is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University.
Marcos Santana is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Layla Slone is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computational and Applied Mathematics and Statistics at William & Mary.
Madhuri Sosale is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia.
Xya Watkins is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering at Old Dominion University.
Ariana Wright is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Engineering and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Community College 2024-2025
Wade Dickenson is pursuing an Associate’s in Cybersecurity at Laurel Ridge Community College.
Francis Saba is pursuing an Associate’s in Chemical Engineering at Northern Virginia Community College.
John Kayrouz is pursuing an Associate’s in Electrical Engineering Technology at Virginia Peninsula Community College.
John Fraser is pursuing an Associate’s in Math at Tidewater Community College.
Kayla Hudgens is pursuing an Associate’s in Engineering at Central Virginia Community College.
Owen Snead is pursuing an Associate’s in Engineering at Virginia Western Community College.
Graduate 2023-2024
Zakia Ahmed
Zakia Ahmed is a Ph.D. candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Aerodynamic Model-Free Wind Estimation Using a Small, Fixed-Wing Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle
Jarrod Banks
Jarrod Banks is a Ph.D. candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Examination of the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition and Correlation Function of the Turbulent Flow at the Aft of a Body of Revolution at Inclination
Jessica Besnier
Jessica Besnier is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Environmental Engineering.
Monitoring and Predicting Hydrological Extremes through Remote Sensing and Machine Learning
Zaria Booth
Zaria Booth is a Master’s candidate at Old Dominion University majoring in Mechanical Engineering. The Effects of Weak Magnetic Field Exposure on Plant Development in Simulated Space-Like Conditions
Carter Boyd
Carter Boyd is a Master’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Geosciences. Quantifying the Size-distribution of Rivers Across Scales
Giovanna Camacho
Giovanna Camacho is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Systems Engineering. Evaluating Technology to Improve Tactile Navigation and Communication in People with Visual Disabilities
Khari Crommarty
Khari Crommarty is a Master’s candidate at Old Dominion University majoring in Ocean and Earth Sciences. Mapping the Risk of High Chlorophyll and HAB Events in the Chesapeake Bay: A Data-Driven Approach
Joseph Cunningham
Joseph Cunningham is a Ph.D. candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Effect of UV Exposure on Structural Health Monitoring Capabilities of Epoxy-CNT Composite Binders
Andrianna Daniels
Andrianna Daniels is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Creating a Detailed Model for Boron Nitride Deposition Mechanics
Julia DeFeo
Julia Defeo is a Ph.D. candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Forestry. Effects of Prescribed Fire on Leaf Function, Non-Structural Carbohydrate Formation, and Nutrient Allocation in Pinus Echinata Stands
Nicolas DeStefano
Nicolas DeStefano is a Ph.D. candidate at William & Mary majoring in Physics. Profiling Charged Particle Beams using Coherent Atomic Magnetometry
Lee Gill
Lee Gill is a Ph.D. candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Electrical Engineering. Semiconductor Device Characterization Tests and Evaluation Methodologies
Jeremy Hopwood
Jeremy Hopwood is a Ph.D. candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Towards Large-Domain Nonlinear System Identification of Multirotor Aircraft
William Jeffries
William Jeffries is Ph.D. candidate at Old Dominion University majoring in Physics. Design of a Linear Paul Ion Trap
Victor Kontpanos
Victor Kontopanos is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. Electrochemical Modeling and Fracture Mechanics Testing to Mitigate Environmentally Assisted Cracking of Multi-Material Assemblies
Zhe-Yu Lin
Zhe-Yu Lin is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Astronomy. Panchromatic (Sub)millimeter Polarization Observations of HL Tau Unveil Aligned Scattering Grains
Deryl Long
Deryl Long is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Astronomy. Mapping Ionization Within and Across Protoplanetary Disk Environments
Caroline McCormick
Caroline McCormick is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Astronomy. Red Giant Nucleosynthesis and Mixing in the Magellanic Clouds
Amanda Mitchell
Amanda Mitchell is a Master’s candidate at William & Mary majoring in Chemistry. Photo- and Electrocatalytic Activity of an FE(III) Complex Containing a Chelating Antipyrine Ligand for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
William Miyahira
William Miyahira is a Ph.D. candidate at William & Mary majoring in Physics. Microwave Atom Chip for Spin-Specific Atom Interferometry
Ramsey Ritter
Ramsey Ritter is a Ph.D. candidate at Old Dominion University majoring in Chemistry. Energy Transfer Catalysis for the Synthesis of Novel Polymers
Alison Ritz
Alison Ritz is a Ph.D. candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Forestry. Crown Segmentation Using High Resolution Imagery and Deep Learning in Virginia’s Pine Plantations
Randal Shoemaker
Randal Shoemaker is a Ph.D. candidate at William & Mary majoring in Computer Science. Intrinsic Mesh Simplification
Brielle Shope
Brielle Shope is a Ph.D candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Chemistry. Modeling the Origins of Complex Organic Molecules During Solar-type Star Formation
Jordan Shroyer
Jordan Shroyer is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Astronomy. Probing Cosmic Inflation: Testing Novel High-sensitivity Detectors for Next-generation Surveys
Chandler Slater
Chandler Slater is a Master’s candidate at Old Dominion University majoring in Ocean and Earth Sciences. Maximizing Detection Range in Lidar Systems Through the Use of Gated Photomultiplier Tubes
Pádraigín Stack
Pádraigín Stack is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Geosciences. Thermophysical and Thermochemical Properties of Xenotime Mineral-Inspired Earth Phosphate Environmental Barrier Coatings
Trevor Stalnaker
Trevor Stalnaker is a Ph.D. candidate at William & Mary majoring in Computer Science. Software Bills of Material as a Solution in the Software Supply Chain
Connor Stephens
Connor Stephens is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. The High Temperature Oxidation of Tantalum and Tantalum Carbide in Hypersonic-Relevant Conditions
Heather Switzer
Heather Switzer is a Ph.D. candidate at William & Mary majoring in Computer Science. Exploring the Benefits of Sketched Krylov Methods in PRIMME.
Zoie Telkamp
Zoie Telkamp is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Astronomy. Probing Massive Star Formation with the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array
Elizabeth Urig
Elizabeth Urig is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Material Science and Engineering. Implementation of Internal State Variable Constitutive Model for Finite Element Analysis of Rotary Forming Process
Prescott Vayda
Prescott Vayda is a Ph.D. candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Materials Science. Phosphatic Microfossils From Yukon, Canada Provide New Insights into the Evolution of Early Animals and Their Environment
Rahim Zaman
Rahim Zaman is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. Design of Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics for Oxidation Resistance II: Thermodynamic Modeling of the Hafnium-Tantalum-Oxygen System
Elizabeth Zengel
Elizabeth Zengel is a Ph.D. candidate at Old Dominion University majoring in Chemistry. Analysis of the Decomposition Mechanisms of High Energy Density Materials Using Density Functional Theory and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Undergraduate 2023-2024
Elizabeth Arthur
Elizabeth Arthur is a Bachelor’s candidate at William & Mary majoring in Biology. Resting Spore Formation and Revival for the Diatom, Thalassiosira Pseudonana
Jennifer Burdette
Jennifer Burdette is a Bachelor’s candidate at Old Dominion University majoring in Biochemistry. Assessing the Utility of Bobbitt’s Salt to Study Environmental Oxidation Processes
Emily Chang
Emily Chang is a Bachelor’s candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Computer Science. A Methodology for Controlling Smart HVAC Systems in Planetary Environments
Samuel Crowe
Samuel Crowe is a Bachelor’s candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Astronomy-Physics. Near-Infrared Observations of Outflows and Young Stellar Objects in the Massive Star-Forming Region AFGL 5180
Dawn Ford
Dawn Ford is a Bachelor’s candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Physics. FeS2/MoS2/Mo-O/Fe-O Nanowire Heterostructure as a Bifunctional Water-Splitting Catalyst
William Kobos
William Kobos is a Bachelor’s candidate at William & Mary majoring in Physics. Diatom Frustules as Sustainable Nanostructured Silica Materials for Reusable High-Temperature Ceramic Heat Shields
Ryan Mann
Ryan Mann is a Bachelor’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Chemical Engineering. Melt-Blended Ternary Polymer-Clay Composites for Additive Manufacturing
Jacinda Pastoriza
Jacinda Pastoriza is a Bachelor’s candidate at Old Dominion University majoring in Chemistry. Trigger Bond Analysis of Energetic Materials
Ramisa Rahman
Ramisa Rahman is a Bachelor’s candidate at William & Mary majoring in Physics. Preliminary Faraday Rotation Results Associated with the Photoionized Gas of IC 1396
Nathan Rand
Nathan Rand is a Bachelor’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Convergent-Divergent Nozzle Contour Optimization Using Genetic Algorithms
Christopher Schappi
Christopher Schappi is a Bachelor’s candidate at Old Dominion University majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. A Novel Modular CubeSat Design Implementing Additively Manufactured Components
Amelia Seabury
Amelia Seabury is a Bachelor’s candidate at William & Mary majoring in Chemistry. Blinking Characteristics of Organic Fluorophores for Blink-Based Multiplexing
Morgan Small
Morgan Small is a Bachelor’s candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. Thermal Properties of CrTaO4 AND (CrTaTi)O2
Zachary Stroud
Zachary Stroud is a Bachelor’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Mechanical Engineering. The Impact of Lean Direct Injection Geometric Parameters on Lean Blowout
Lucy Waite
Lucy Waite is Bachelor’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Aerospace Engineering. High Temperature Testing of Additively Manufactured Materials
William Wilkinson
William Wilkinson is a Bachelor’s candidate at William & Mary majoring in Chemistry. Photochemical Behavior of Nitrophenols at Aerosol Interfaces
Lili Zebluim
Lili Zebluim is a Bachelor’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Biological Systems Engineering. Biosynthetic Yeast Utilized for Higher Yields of Agriculture on Mars Mission
STEM Bridge 2023-2024
Ruth Akpalu
Ruth Akpalu is a Bachelor’s candidate at Old Dominion University majoring in Computer Engineering.
Veronica Bate-Poxon
Veronica Bate-Poxon is a Bachelor’s candidate at William & Mary majoring in Mathematics.
Vanessa Campbell
Vanessa Campbell is a Bachelor’s candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Chemical Engineering.
Alicia Carvalho
Alicia Carvalho is a Bachelor’s candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Biomedical Engineering.
Margaret Cox
Margaret Cox is a Bachelor’s candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Environmental Science.
Jada Cumberland
Jada Cumberland is a Bachelor’s candidate at Old Dominion University majoring in Cyber Operations.
Khang Duong
Khang Duong is a Bachelor’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Mechanical Engineering
Cassie Freedlander
Cassie Freedlander is a Bachelor’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
Tess Golabek
Tess Golabek is a Bachelor’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Aerospace Engineering.
Marvin Gomez
Marvin Gomez is a Bachelor’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Civil Engineering.
Quianna Horton
Quianna Horton is a Bachelor’s candidate at Hampton University majoring in Biochemistry.
R. Churchill Laryea
R. Churchill Laryea is a Bachelor’s candidate at Old Dominion University majoring in Cybersecurity.
Jalaan Martin
Jalaan Martin is a Bachelor’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Engineering.
Amy Menegay
Amy Menegay is a Bachelor’s candidate at William & Mary majoring in Biology.
David Morgan
David Morgan is a Bachelor’s candidate at Old Dominion University majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
Alexandra Oleski
Alexandra Oleski is a Bachelor’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in General Engineering.
Nicole Quiram
Nicole Quiram is a Bachelor’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering.
Surya Shanmugaselvam
Surya Shanmugaselvam is a Bachelor’s candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Computer Science.
Andrew Spencer
Andrew Spencer is a Bachelor’s candidate at the University of Virginia majoring in Computer Science.
Jada Thomas
Jada Thomas is a Bachelors candidate at Hampton University majoring in Mathematics.
Olivia Trotter
Olivia Trotter is a Bachelor’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in General Engineering.
Jordan Vargas
Jordan Vargas is a Bachelor’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Computer Engineering.
Joshua Wager
Joshua Wager is a Bachelor’s candidate at Old Dominion University majoring in Astrophysics.
Selah Wangler
Selah Wangler is a Bachelor’s candidate at Virginia Tech majoring in Biomedical Engineering.
Natalie Yee
Community College 2023-2024
Moriah Bledsoe
Moriah Bledsoe is an Associates candidate at Germanna Community College majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
Eric Miller
Eric Miller is an Associates candidate at Tidewater Community College majoring in Computer Aided Drafting.
Caroline Morris
Caroline Morris is an Associates candidate at Virginia Peninsula Community College majoring in Science.
Andrew Ospina
Andrew Ospina is and Associates candidate at Brightpoint Community College majoring in Information Systems.
Jasmine Stolz
Jasmine Stolz is an Associates candidate at Virginia Peninsula Community College majoring in Engineering.
Katherine Yudkin
Katharine Yudkin is from Blue Ridge Community College majoring in Aviation Maintenance