On November 9, 2017, Georgia Tech’s two 2016/2017 Astronaut Scholarship recipients were recognized for their outstanding achievements by visiting astronaut Michael McCulley at an event on campus. This is the first year that two Georgia Tech students received the Astronaut Scholarship, which includes up to $10,000 in undergraduate funding for each scholar, along with professional development opportunities.
Georgia Tech’s scholars have accomplished a great deal in their undergraduate careers. Sophia Guldberg, a junior majoring in biochemistry, has extensive research experience on campus, including exploration of polyvalent compounds and immunology, drug design, and delivery through virus-like particles. In addition, Sophia’s research experience in industry included her independent work on a new product for repair of spinal cord neurons.
Mike Van Akin, a senior majoring in aerospace engineering, is a Stamps President’s Scholar who has considerable research and professional experience on and off campus. He designed an ion beam dump for use in a vacuum chamber and has also completed multiple internships, including a position at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, where he worked on components of the Wide Field Infared Survey Telescope. At the recognition event, both scholars received beautiful plaques to mark their achievements.
Students interested in applying for the Astronaut Scholarship or other prestigious fellowships should visit fellowships.gatech.edu to learn more and make an advising appointment since deadlines are coming soon.