UA Engineering Students Awarded Scholarships, Fellowships by NASA

2017 Jun 9

The Alabama Space Grant Consortium has given seven University of Alabama engineering students $42,000 in graduate fellowship and undergraduate scholarship money.

Valdrie Buford of Edmond, OK (73012) received a Scholarship. Buford is a senior in aerospace engineering and mechanics.

The graduate fellowships are funded jointly through the ASGC and the UA Office for Research and Economic Development. The UA office provided fellowship matching for a total of $37,000.

"The aerospace industry is a crucial driver of our state's economy, and we are proud to participate through the Alabama Space Grant Consortium to inspire our students to work in this industry," said Dr. Carl A. Pinkert, vice president for research and economic development.

Graduate students were evaluated based on a proposed research program or plan of study relevant to NASA's aerospace science and technology program in addition to academic qualifications and motivation toward an aerospace or space science career.

Since 1989, the ASGC has been one of 52 national space grant consortia that make up the NASA National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. The group offers educational funding to students who study any aerospace-related field at participating schools.

"NASA, through the ASGC, continues to demonstrate a commitment to developing future engineers, scientists and teachers by providing scholarship and fellowship opportunities for STEM students who are interested in aerospace-related careers," said Dr. John Baker, professor and department head for aerospace engineering and mechanics.

In addition to the fellowships, the ASGC gave away five merit-based undergraduate scholarships worth $1,000 each. Undergraduate applicants were selected based on their academic qualifications, career goals and an assessment of their motivation toward an aerospace or space science career.

The University of Alabama, the state's oldest and largest public institution of higher education, is a student-centered research university that draws the best and brightest to an academic community committed to providing a premier undergraduate and graduate education. UA is dedicated to achieving excellence in scholarship, collaboration and intellectual engagement; providing public outreach and service to the state of Alabama and the nation; and nurturing a campus environment that fosters collegiality, respect and inclusivity.