Astronaut Hall of Fame to Feature Scholars
by Howard Benedict, Executive DirectorThe Astronaut Hall of Fame is undergoing a major expansion, and a section being added Twill focus on the work of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and its Scholars, including photos and words from as many of them as possible.
So, I'm asking those of you who haven't already done so to submit a photograph of yourself, in whatever setting you prefer, and a few lines on what our scholarship has meant to you. The new museum will list the names of all our Scholars, dating back to 1986, the first award year. But your name certainly would be enhanced with words and picture. Send them to Lisa Beeson, a former scholar and editor of this newsletter, who will coordinate the effort. The deadline is January 15, 1997.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation helps manage the Astronaut Hall of Fame under a joint agreement with the U. S. Space Camp Foundation. It is located in Titusville, Florida, at the gate to the Kennedy Space Center.
The expansion will increase the space from 8,000 to 20,000 square feet. We will gut the present museum, starting from scratch to make this a first-rate facility that will trace the history of space exploration and honor its hero-astronauts. Dedication is scheduled for September 1997.
On another point, I certainly enjoyed meeting and visiting those of you who made it to the rendezvous of Scholars in Orlando last May. Many of the foundation astronauts who met you have remarked on what a remarkable group you were. They felt our scholarships are going to those who deserve them. Lisa is plotting another such session for next May, and I hope many more of you will attend.
First Annual Astronaut-Scholar Meeting: A Whirlwind of Fun Activities
by Lisa Beeson, Scholarship CommitteeOn the second weekend in May 1996, something very special happened for the first time in the short history of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. The events will never be forgotten by the eight Mercury Scholars who participated. This "something special" was the first-ever meeting between Mercury Scholars and the astronauts who have helped the Scholars to pursue their academic dreams. It was also the first time that the Scholars had met each other.
The meeting began on Friday evening, when six of the eight scholars arrived in Orlando early to meet at Walt Disney World's Pleasure island for dinner. Scholars brought their spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends, and family members to enjoy the first chance to get to know each other. Several of us went club-hopping at Pleasure Island after dinner and didn't get home until the wee hours of the morning.
The next day, the astronauts and scholars experienced a special treat when we were able to witness groundbreaking ceremonies for a new wheelchair-accessible playground at Henri Landwirth's Give Kids the World village in nearby Kissimmee. After the ceremonies and lunch, the astronauts and scholars finally had an opportunity to talk in a private conference room. The scholars were thrilled, and the astronauts were equally pleased to meet some of the people who have been selected for the annual Mercury Seven Scholarship awards. Time was limited, but lively discussions took place and many photographs were taken to commemorate the occasion.
Because of the success of this event and the positive reaction from everyone involved, another astronaut/scholar meeting is being planned for next year. We hope that more scholars will be able to attend the events. In addition to the meeting, many activities are "in the works", including a tour of Kennedy Space Center and another night on the town. Details will be revealed in early 1997 when each scholar will receive an invitation. Mark your calendars for the second weekend in May!
Introducing the 1996-97 Mercury Scholars...
We have selected another fine group of scholars this year. As you will see from reading this newsletter, each of the fifteen scholars for the 1996-97 academic year have proven their ability to achieve high levels of academic excellence. Many of them have also overcome personal or professional challenges to pursue their dreams. Some of their stories will touch your heart. All will impress you.
Mercury Seven Scholarship Provides a Secure Future
Purdue University, 1996-97
In lieu of the normal biographical profile of this year's Mercury Scholar from Purdue University, the entire text of a personal letter is printed below. The letter is from our Purdue scholar Belinda Marchand, to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. It will touch your heart.
June 11,1996
I am one of the 15 students chosen to receive the foundation scholarship for the 96-97 academic year. I wish I could tell you and all the founders of the organization, in person, how grateful I am for the opportunity given to me through this scholarship. Thanks to this award I will be able to finish my degree in Aero/Astronautical Engineering on a fully funded basis.
The moment I decided to attend Purdue University I knew I would be on my own because my mother would be unable to help me and my father had passed away when I was a year old. Every year that passed I never really knew whether or not I would be able to attend the following year because I depended entirely on whatever aid the school could give me and on loans. So, every year towards the end of the second semester I was haunted by the uncertainty of whether or not I would be able to finish what I had started.
Thankfully, up to now I have managed to live and put myself through school without ever really having any money except what the school gives me and what I make from my job at school and my Co-op at McDonnell Douglas. I have always felt that God has been with me the entire journey because whenever I think I will not be able to make it through the year a scholarship from another source suddenly drops in. In a manner of speaking, it is like gambling with your future but I wouldn't have a future if I didn't.
Two years into my degree my mom was diagnosed with cancer. It was already too developed to be stopped, and even though they tried it did not work. Since then, things have just gotten tougher but she always keeps me going. She has always felt that what I do will be for a greater purpose and when things look bad or the end seems closer she never lets me stand off my guard. I have had many sources of inspiration throughout my young life but she has always been '...the wind beneath my wings.'
Ever since I was 5 years old I used to tell her one day I would become an astronaut. Most kids at that age say that and eventually grow out of it, I never did. To this date I still tell her so and the only thing that saddens me is that she probably will not be here to see it. I am not even sure whether she will make it to my graduation. She always looked forward to that day as did I to seeing her among the crowd, a tribute to her efforts, sacrifices, and love. Receiving this award lets her know that I am keeping my side of the promise. I have worked hard for what I have accomplished. The fact that these efforts are recognized by a foundation formed by the surviving members of the original astronaut core and Betty Grissom, widow to the astronaut to which our Aero Building is dedicated (Grissom Hall), is a message to her that even though she may not be here when the time comes, I will not stop until I have fulfilled that one dream and that will be my tribute to her.
She was the one who received the letter from ASF [Astronaut Scholarship Foundation] and read it to me over the phone. Her English is a little rusty but eventually we managed to figure out what the letter really meant. She had to read it back to me 3 times because I just could not believe it. All I could do was scream in joy which nearly scared my roommates to death. Many things crossed my mind at the moment but just from the way my mom sounded I knew she was proud and in a way relieved. You see, I 1/@ years ago the doctors gave my mom 2 years. Painfully enough it is starting to show, so to her it is a relief that I will be taken care of and I will be able to finish my degree without any financial problems.
So, I have twice the reasons to say THANK YOU. Thanks for the opportunity you have given me to fulfill my goals and for the peace of mind my mom now enjoys. Among all the bad and good things I have experienced in my college career, this is definitely the best thing that has ever happened to me. You have my undying appreciation and gratefulness.
Yours truly,
Belinda G. Marchand
Scholar Remembers Deke Slayton
University of Washington, 1996-97
Derek Lang is another first-time recipient of the Mercury Seven Foundation Scholarship this year. In a letter to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, Derek noted that he recently presented a paper at the Space '96 Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
At the conference, he reviewed an exhibit of young school children's artistic drawings of life in space. Derek said, "They marveled at the possibility of classes on the moon, asked whether paramedics would be in space, and depicted the Olympics begin held in orbit. The youthful excitement and wonder about our future in space was clearly inspired by the fervor and respect the the astronaut corps has created for space travel. The astronauts from Mercury to Space Shuttle continue to be role models for generations of children, giving hope for the future.
"I recall sitting with Deke Slayton in a blockhouse on the White Sands desert floor several years ago in anticipation of a suborbital rocket launch. The aura of his pioneering spirit that twilight morning will always be a cherished memory encouraging me to set high goals for humankind's venture into space and beyond."
Derek is studying for a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering. He would like to work for a private company developing commercial space transportation systems that will provide access for the public into space as easy as air travel. After that experience, he plans to teach aerospace engineering at the university level.
During graduate school, Derek has been a research assistant on a gas dynamic reactor project. He has completed a diploma program at the von Karman Institute, where he carried out CFD simulations and wind tunnel experiments on hypersonic flows over blunt bodies, in support of re-entry physics. Derek also participated in the International Space University at MIT. He has co-authored several papers on the utilization of space resources.
During his Master's degree work at Stanford, Derek analyzed policy, economic, and technical issues associated with a privately operated space reentry vehicle. The project supported NASA's Experimental Transporter (COMET) program. He has worked at the U. S. Department of Transportation, developing the government requirements that allow public to access space and and working with private companies who were launching rockets into space.
Derek has an impressive resume, listing Boeing, U.S. Department of Transportation, Cal Poly Space Systems, United Technologies, U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, and the University of Washington as employers.
Mercury Scholar Makes a Splash
Washington University, 1996-97
Joe Napoli is studying Systems Science and Engineering and hopes to achieve a Master's degree in 1998 and a Ph.D. in the year 2000. He recently completed a bachelor's degree in the subject. Joe names Chicago, Illinois as his home. His drive to succeed in science and engineering is demonstrated by an excellent undergraduate academic record. Joe has focused on control systems. His innovative senior project involved using Lee group methods to solve a nonlinear differential equation with important application to Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Joe was named as the outstanding senior in the Department of Systems Science and Mathematics.
In addition to academic pursuits, Joe has excelled in sports. As a member of the Washington University Men's Varsity swim team, he holds 2 school records: 100 yard and 200 yard breaststroke. His leadership ability is exemplified by his 2 years of service as captain of the team. He was named to the 1996 GTE Academic All-American team and received an Honorable Mention on the NCAA Academic All-American team in 1995.
Joe seems to excel at every endeavor. He has experience in management assistance of four Chicago area real estate properties, including on-site management of a 25-story office building. Joe was awarded a bonus for exemplary work. Other experience includes being a lifeguard for the Chicago Park District, where he was recognized as the Hollywood Beach Rookie of the Year in 1990.
Joe states that his career objective is to complete a doctoral degree in systems science and then work in aerospace or robotics. He would like to work in an industry environment where new engineering ideas are tested in real world applications. Design and implementation of original control systems would enable him to enjoy implementing engineering solutions as well as understanding their theoretical background.
Research Experience in France
University of Minnesota, 1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-97
Sarah Braasch has been among our scholarship winners since 1994. She says that she would be unable to attend the University of Minnesota with the support of the Mercury Seven Scholarship. "The honor associated with this prestigious award has served as my motivation to continually improve myself and strive for loftier goals, more ambitious dreams."
You may recall from previous newsletters that Sarah is studying for bachelor's degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering. In addition, she is minoring in French. In order to accomplish this, she sometimes takes as many as 20 credit hours and will study for five years, instead of the traditional four. She expects to complete the degrees in June 1997.
During Spring Quarter of the past academic year, Sarah conducted research in Toulouse, France, in the area of control science and dynamical systems. Her previous experience includes working at Boeing on a three-person team responsible for the critical design review of the lateral control systems on the 737 aircraft.
International Space Endeavors
University of Colorado, 1996-97
Ryan Sheppard has established an excellent academic record and has demonstrated en ineering innovation. His leadership responsibilities have been shown in the Colorado Space Grant College, where he has excelled in the classroom and laboratory atmosphere. Ryan is working toward a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering Sciences, which he expects to receive in December 1997.
Ryan's nomination forms included a letter from the Director of the Colorado Space Grant College. The Director stated that Ryan is an outstanding student and hard worker who is not afraid of new responsibilities and challenges. He leads by example and integrity. He is self-motivated, thorough, and able to complete complex tasks independently and creatively. He is a team player, able to work well in a group situation, to supervise and train less experienced students, and to interact with professionals in industry and NASA.
Ryan worked with other students to develop, integrate, and test a payload for flight in the Space Shuttle in 1994. Based upon his proven abilities, Ryan was promoted to lead the operations team for a follow-on mission, called DATA-CHASER, which will ride as a Hitchhiker payload on the Space Shuttle in 1997. He will be the lead for the 10 day flight operations which will be distributed between the University of Colorado and Goddard Space Flight Center.
In addition to all of these activities, Ryan is working on the Pluto Express project in cooperation with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and is currently studying Russian. This skill will be very important as the aerospace industry looks beyond he United States for important cooperative efforts.
Ryan notes that he has several interests which will complement each other in the future. He plans to study in two master's degree programs: one at the University of Colorado and another, later, at the International Space University in Strasbourg, France. He is particularly interested in applying knowledge from biological neural systems to spacecraft control problems. In his future career, Ryan would like to work on the space program for NASA or a supporting company. He sees his future role "as a coordinator and systems engineer, endeavoring to bring together the best elements of the world's richly diverse space programs in order to accomplish some of the exciting astronautical feats of the next century."
Exploring the Great Outdoors from the Lab to the Mountains
Harvey Mudd College, 1995-96 and 1996-97
Carl Coryell-Martin received the Mercury Seven Scholarship for the second time this year. He is majoring in Physics.
At Harvey Mudd, Carl has been involved in work to successfully measure the rotation rate of the sun using the Doppler shift of the hydrogen balmer red line. Carl has also been in a group of students who built and calibrated an optical coherence microscope (OCM). An OCM is a laser-based instrument for imaging objects in a highly scattering medium, like flesh. The group is monitoring critical events in the development of embryos that are impossible to image with any other technology. Although Carl was a sophomore during this project, he was clearly a leader and showed remarkable intuition and resourcefulness in circumventing problems as they arose.
On the personal side, Carl was selected by the Dean of Students office to be a dorm proctor, providing academic and emotional counseling to residents, in addition to first aid and other services. He participates in set design and construction for the Harvey Mudd Etc. Players and is a coordinator of the Delta-H Outdoor Club. As part of the latter activity, Carl organized a successful spring break trip to Yosemite National Park. He is leading an effort to prepare a proposal to offer week-long hiking trips for incoming freshmen.
New Methods for Cleaning Up Polluted Rivers
Syracuse University, 1996-97
Our 1996-97 Mercury Scholar from Syracuse University is a junior, studying Chemical Engineering. Wendy Crothers is an honors student and a peer advisor for undergraduate students. She has been a summer research assistant in the Department of Chemical Engineering Supercritical Extraction and Reaction Laboratory, contributing to a recent publication in the proceedings of the international Solvent Extraction Conference in Melbourne, Australia. She has also worked as a cooperative education employee at Dow Corning.
Her research team pioneered the use of critical extraction remediation in the cleanup of an area along the St. Lawrence River that was heavily polluted with PCB'S. She says, "The daily challenges of the laboratory fascinated me, yet, until I visited the site of the pollution and saw the faces of the Native Americans who were living in that contaminated area and were forced to depend upon the work of scientists and engineers, I never realized how truly important research is to the world around us." Because of this experience, Wendy would like to continue in a field of research that helps solve socially relevant problems.
Wendy is a founding member of Alpha Omega Epsilon, an engineering sorority, on the Syracuse campus. As a young woman entering a technical Field, she cites the benefit that she received from strong female role models. She wants to be the same kind of role model for other women in engineering and science.
Wendy would like to become the first member of her family to obtain a doctoral degree and eventually become a faculty member at a university.
Application of Physics to Aerospace
Georgia Institute of Technology, 1996-97
Joel Van Odom is this year's Mercury Scholar from Georgia Tech. Joel's fascination with physics goes far beyond the classroom. He says, "Physics combines the rigors of mathematics with the creative process, allowing [researchers] to use the best of both sides of the brain." Joel will complete a bachelor's degree in Spring 1997.
Joel has been a research assistant, working on numerical studies in the dynamic behavior of neural systems. The study uses a computer model to determine whether individual neurons have the capacity to distinguish between noise and chaos. He spends long hours in the lab gathering and analyzing data, building analog circuits, and mastering the methods of nonlinear dynamics and performing various other tasks to ensure the smooth running of the lab.
Joel is described as "enthusiastic, alert, and very easy to work with. Joel is an outstanding student with a bright career ahead of him." He would like to pursue a career in physics-related research, most probably as a university faculty member conducting research and teaching. He is most interested in nonlinear dynamics in electrical circuits and quantum physics. He is also considering going into business for himself, designing avionics or satellite technology. He is excited about the idea of having his own laboratory with design, construction, and test facilities for experimental aerospace technologies.
Leadership in Academics and Innovation
North Carolina State University, 1996-97
Mark Nippert will complete a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, with a minor in Economics in the Spring of 1997. He will spend the 1996-97 academic year as president of the student senate.
Mark has completed two significant internships. The first, at Alcatel, involved designing and implementing a new software tracking system. He was given broad creative license and was able to take the product far beyond original specifications, meeting or beating deadlines. Atanother internship, with GE Capital, he was assigned to design a report-writing system, using pieces of a "system" to use as building blocks. Mark had to find creative ways to make these nearly incompatible pieces work together. He worked with experienced engineers to solve the interfacing problems and delivered an innovative solution.
Mark's work experience shows tremendous potential for developing practical applications within the computer industry He has an entrepreneurial bent and would like to start his own company in order to get the ultimate opportunity for innovation, focus, vision, and persistence. Whatever the future holds, Mark wants his career to integrate creativity, motivation, leadership, and teamwork.
Mark plays violin in the Raleigh Civic Symphony and is involved in intramural soccer and racquetball. He chaired the Student Senate Academic Committee, which led him to learn how to forge coalitions, resolve conflicts, set milestones, and delegate tasks.
Designing His Future
Pennsylvania State University, 1996-97
Matt Tripi is a first year Mercury Scholar, working toward a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering degree. He would like to continue his education by attending graduate school and teach at some point in the future. Matt has learned through hours of listening, reading, and studying that "aspiring to do more" can set a person apart from others.
As one of three children in his family who are currently in college, the Mercury Seven Scholarship makes a big difference to Matt and his family. Matt expects to complete his degree in the Spring semester 1998. He is described as having "extraordinary intelligence, engineering talent, motivation, maturity, and personality."
As a sophomore, Matt demonstrated outstanding research abilities in a project dealing with composite materials research. His adviser notes that he was self-motivated and dealt very well with the usual uncertainties and startup problems seen in new research projects. He also handled himself very well in front of industry contract monitors, demonstrating strong confidence and communication skills, even under harsh questioning. The successful completion of this project led to a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates Fellowship, on the subject of measurement of deformation in repaired concrete beams.
Outside the academic world, Matt has worked as an assistant at Crouthammel Construction Company and Construction Program Management, Incorporated.
Ahead of His Time
Miami University, 1996-97
Jeremy Monat is from Indianapolis and is attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He will complete his undergraduate degree in Chemistry in May 1997. He is described as "very talented and an unusually disciplined young man."
For over a year, Jeremy has been doing research in the area of quantum chemistry with a focus on weak inter-molecular interactions. Since the background for this research is not taught at the undergraduate level, he has taken the initiative to understand highly sophisticated quantum chemistry in his spare time. Some of the topics, such as perturbation theory of intermolecular forces, are seldom taught even at the graduate level.
Jeremy has achieved nearly perfect grades in Chemistry and is very active in the Miami Chemical Society. He also has devoted quite a bit of time to activities with the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, helping senior citizens and assisting during the Special Olympics.
He was a National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Fellow at the University of Michigan during one summer. There, he did independent research in Vibrationally Excited Benzene-d3. Jeremy's career goals begin with completing his undergraduate degree with an Honor's Thesis. Then, he plans to attend graduate school or work in industry, using computers to solve physical problems.
Jeremy is an Eagle Scout and also received 1st place in the National Science Olympiad Measurement Event in 1992.
True Involvement in Research Results in 1st Prize
Tufts University, 1996-97
Heidi Kenerson wrote that the Mercury Seven Scholarship means a great deal to my family and I ... The scholarship will be a significant help this year." Heidi is a senior at Tufts University and expects to complete a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering in May 1997, with a minor in biomedical engineering. She is a dedicated and hard-working individual.
Heidi's innovation and resourcefulness resulted in her selection to represent Tufts in an Inter-University design contest. The assignment for the contest was to build a toy for children with motor disabilities. Whereas many students would have made certain assumptions to create their design for the contest, Heidi did not. She visited a home for children with cerebral palsy and researched the type of motor impairment they had. She also interviewed the coordinators on the children's needs. The extra effort paid off when group won first prize.
Heidi is involved in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Society of Women Engineers. She has also been honored by Tau Beta Pi and volunteers at a local soup kitchen. She became a teaching assistant in an electrical engineering laboratory as a junior!
For the future, Heidi plans to work in electrical engineering, in the area of digital design. She plans to attend graduate school, someday, in biomedical engineering, conducting research which combines her electrical and biomedical background to design new tools and methods for the medical field.
"I Dream of Orbiting the Earth Someday"
Texas A&M University, 1995-96 and 1996-97
Kristopher Lee has been a Mercury Scholar for two years. He is studying for a master's degree in Electrical Engineering. Kristopher is an Honors student and clearly wants to be an astronaut. He has achieved a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (with honors) and is now pursuing an electrical degree in order prepare himself for his chosen career.
Kristopher worked on a classroom project for performing non-visual leak detection on high pressure gate valves for a variety of surface and offshore pipeline and well head applications. He recognized that the supposedly incompressible test fluid (a mix of antifreeze and water) would, in fact, display a small but significant degree of compressibility at the test pressures of 5,000 to 15,000 psi. This led to a measurement methodology that would detect small changes in pressure for leaks of one drop of water per three-minute holding period. This transformed the problem into one of reliably measuring small changes, and Kris was instrumental in leading his project group to the idea of a differential measurement relative to a reference volume. The senior technical staff of the sponsoring company was so impressed with the innovation and quality of ideas that they opted to prototype the system during a second design course. Kris and his group continued on to complete any required re-design, provide necessary procurement information, establish an evaluation plan, assemble and test the system, and make a very well received presentation to the sponsor, including recommendations for implementation.
Last fall, Kristopher spent a semester in an internship at Johnson Space Center. He says, "My experience there has exposed me to the Space Program and lit a fire inside me to pursue astronaut candidacy. My education at the graduate level at Texas A&M University is absolutely critical to this pursuit." At NASA, Kristopher has worked on the propulsion system for the international space station's crew return vehicle.
Kristopher feels that "human involvement in space pushes the U. S. forward technologically. It has also forged new alliances between historically hostile countries." He dreams of orbiting the earth some day.
Quest for the Cure
University of Central Florida, 1996-97
Jessica LoDuca plans to achieve a bachelor's degree in Chemistry in May 1998. She is active in the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates at the University of Central Florida. She has worked to pay for a significant portion of her college education.
Jessica has been working as a research assistant on a cancer related project, specifically in the search for new cancer drugs. She is enthusiastic and creative in her work and is described as 'helpful and pleasant to everyone." She realized that she wanted to pursue a career in chemistry after taking her first class on the subject, in her sophomore year of high school. In her current research, Jessica hopes to achieve a worthy goal that someday there will be a cure for leukemia.
After completing her undergraduate education, Jessica would like to continue for a Ph.D. degree and eventually work for a pharmaceutical company or the Drug and Disease Control Center. She wants to discover "new cures which will better mankind on a whole."
Inspired to Help Others
North Carolina A&T State University, 1996-97
Gerald Gracia will complete an undergraduate degree in Biology in May 1997. He is "without question, one of the best students in the department and the University", according to his nomination letters. He has excelled in microbiology and cell physiology courses and has developed a deep interest in neurology.
Gerald says that he was "inspired at the age of fourteen, by the unexpected death of my uncle... Not understanding how a person can die from a stroke, sparked my interest in neurology." He is committed to understanding all aspects of brain malfunctions and plans to pursue a Ph.D. emphasizing neurology. He would like to studyboth clinical and research aspects of biology.
Gerald has expressed an interest in a career in research and has devoted a considerable amount of time to research activities on campus. He has worked on a project related to freshwater invertebrates and has also studied the effects of temperature on the oxygen intake and nitrogen excretion of zebra mussels. To document this work, he contributed to a publication in Aquatic Science. He also assists First-year undergraduates in biology and chemistry.
Gerald is president of the University's Biology Club and a charter member of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society at North In addition, he participates in the NAACP and Big Brothers. A review of Gerald's resume shows that he is almost always an officer in any organization that he joins - not just a member. He does a lot of work to help other people.
