1998 Astronaut - Scholar Meeting and ASHS Annual Meeting Announcement
Once again, plans are "in the works" for the next Astronaut - Scholar Meeting. This annual event will be held in Orlando for the third time, in early May 1998. Those of you who have participated in previous years know that a fun and memorable time will be had by all. Each year, the event is expanded with additional opportunities for Astronaut Scholars to meet each other, meet the astronauts, and participate in other activities, such as a tour of the Kennedy Space Center. Please see the article elsewhere in this magazine for details and a photo from the 1997 event.
In addition to an opportunity to meet the astronauts, an event at Kennedy Space Center, and other social activities, the first annual meeting of the Astronaut Scholars Honor Society (ASHS) will be held. All current and past recipients of the Astronaut Scholarship (formerly known as the Mercury Seven Scholarship) are invited and encouraged to attend. Please see the article on ASHS, elsewhere in this magazine, for more information.
The 1998 event is being planned now, and many opportunities exist if you would like to volunteer to help make it happen. To volunteer, please contact Lisa Beeson at Lisa@AstronautScholars.org.
1997 Astronaut - Scholar Meeting
During the first weekend in May 1997, nineteen Astronaut Scholars and their guests came together in Orlando for a whirlwind of events. They were treated to a VIP tour of Kennedy Space Center (KSC), a night on the town in Orlando with dinner and a visit to Disney's Pleasure Island nighttime entertainment complex, and a luncheon meeting with eight astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs at the beautiful Peabody Orlando resort hotel.
The VIP tour of KSC consisted of a walk-through of the mammoth vehicle assembly building transfer aisle, tour of the Air Force Museum outdoor rocket and aircraft display, tour of the blockhouses used during the Mercury program redstone rocket launches, closest possible drive-by tour of a space shuttle launch pad, visit to the new Saturn V center, visit to the Mercury 7 monument site, and a tour of the U. S. Astronaut Hall of Fame/U.S. Space Camp complex.
The tour was graciously hosted by Mr. Charlie Buckley, former chief of security at the Kennedy Space Center during the early astronaut programs, and Ms. Sue Dickinson, an environmental engineer at NASA. Their combined commentary throughout the tour added to the experience, especially Charlie's remembrances of historic and little-known events during the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs as well as the antics of the Mercury 7 astronauts.
That night, the Scholars met for dinner and then visited Disney's Pleasure Island, taking in music, comedy, and dancing at several nightclubs.
The following day, the Astronaut Scholars, their guests, the astronauts, and other distinguished members of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation were able to meet and mingle during a reception and luncheon. It was quite a thrill for everyone, scholars and astronauts alike, to meet each other. The Scholars were able to meet their heroes and ask the questions that they had wondered about for so long. The astronauts were able to witness, first hand, the high level of talent and intelligence as well as congeniality of the Astronaut Scholars. It was fantastic to see evidence of the good work that the Foundation is doing, as the Scholars were able to tell their benefactors in person what the scholarship has meant to them. It served as inspiration to continue the scholarship program and support alumni activities to ensure personal involvement of our scholarship winners in the future of the Foundation.
As much fun as we had, one of the best aspects of the 1997 meeting was the opportunity for scholars to meet each other, discuss common technical interests, and network. For more information, see the articles, Amazing Accomplishments and Astronaut Scholars Honor Society, elsewhere in this magazine.
Astronaut Scholars Honor Society
A new organization has been formed, called the Astronaut Scholars Honor Society (ASHS). It is the alumni association of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), and membership includes all current and past recipients of the Astronaut Scholarship (formerly known as the Mercury Seven Scholarship). So, if you have ever received the scholarship, you are now a lifetime member of the ASHS. Members are known as Astronaut Scholars.
The ASHS was born in May 1997 when 19 current and past scholarship recipients traveled to Orlando for the opportunity to meet several Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo astronauts. The astronauts and other members of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation were so impressed with the individuals who attended and their long list of accomplishments that a total of $14,000 was pledged to enable the scholars to continue their association with each other and with the Foundation.
With the help of Henri Landwirth (ASF Board of Directors), the new organizations name was created. Then, officers and an ASHS Board of Directors was appointed by Lisa Beeson (ASF Board of Directors and Astronaut Scholar) from the group of scholars who have been actively involved with the Foundation. Quarterly ASHS Board of Directors meetings have been held via the ASHS Web site chat room. You can read more about that in the article about the web site elsewhere in this magazine.
Briefly stated, the ASHS was established by the ASF to ensure Astronaut Scholar involvement in the ASF with the purpose of generating funds and volunteerism so that the work of the ASF will continue into perpetuity in accordance with the originally stated goals, guidelines, and objectives of the ASF.
It is the belief of the ASF that Astronaut Scholar contributions and personal involvement are necessary to ensure the future existence of the ASF and to ensure that the scholarships will continue to be awarded. The ASHS is a means of accomplishing this. The ASF is also interested in expanding its influence on science and technology in America. The ASHS will provide a source of ideas for expanding this influence.
A Mission Statement, Vision Statement, 1997-98 Objectives and Budget, and other information have been forwarded to Astronaut Scholars with this magazine. If you would like more information, please contact Lisa Beeson, ASHS President. Other officers are: Tony DeLia - Vice-President and Derek Lang - Secretary/Treasurer. The Board of Directors includes the officers as well as the following Directors: Preston Bates, Larry Bradley, Debbie Fairbrother, DeLynn Louth, John O'Quinn, Matt Tripi, and Matt Young.
Logo Contest
The newly formed Astronaut Scholars Honor Society (ASHS) needs a logo! And, you are invited to submit a design for consideration in the ASHS Logo Contest. Heres how it works:
- Develop a distinctive design which represents the ASHS and symbolizes its relationship to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
- Bring a sketch of your design to the 1998 Astronaut - Scholar Meeting in May. If you cannot attend the meeting in person, mail your design to Lisa Beeson no later than April 30, 1998.
- A committee of Astronaut Scholars and possibly an astronaut or other volunteer from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation will review all of the designs at the Meeting and select the final ASHS logo. NOTE: The judges may choose to combine features of one or more of the designs to create the final logo.
A small prize (to be announced later) will be awarded to the winner(s) of the contest. To give you some ideas, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation logo can be seen on the cover of this magazine. It is a stylized version of the gold Astronaut Pin, worn by all who have flown in space. The star on top is surrounded by a halo of blue sky containing seven stars, representing the founding Mercury astronauts. At the base is a billowing mass representing both clouds and the plume from a rising rocket. The pin is canted slightly to the left, as it appears when displayed on Air Force and Navy Pilot wings. The ASHS has a desire to create a logo which is as distinctive and meaningful.
New and Improved Astronaut Scholarship Foundation/Astronaut Scholars Honor Society Internet Web Site is Launched
A team of four Astronaut Scholars, Tony DeLia (University of Central Florida, 1989-1991), Larry Bradley (UCF 1993-1994), Brian Mathason (Penn State 1993-1994), and Travis Terry (UCF 1995-1996), have begun developing a new and improved World Wide Web site for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), and are creating a new site for the Astronaut Scholars Honor Society (ASHS). The new Astronaut Scholarship Foundation site is now available at: http://www.AstronautScholarship.org/. The Astronaut Scholars Honor Society site can be found at http://www.AstronautScholars.org/.
We hope that the new sites will increase exposure to the scholarship and perhaps attract future sponsors. It is also our hope that the web site can be a vehicle for scholar interaction and participation. It is our goal to form a strong network of Astronaut Scholars.
Current content of the ASF site includes the Foundation Background and History, Scholarship Program Description, Astronaut Speakers Bureau, Astronaut Scholars, ASF Newsletter, Astronaut-Scholar Annual Meetings, U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame/U.S. Space Camp, and Related Links.
The ASHS site contains pages for the Society Background and History, Opportunities, Sounding Platform, Upcoming Events, Help ASHS, and the Astronaut Scholars Web Chat.
For those who want to give back to the Foundation, check the ASHS site for projects that need volunteers under "Help ASHS" and "Opportunities." If you wish to get more involved with ASHS, go to the "Upcoming Events" page. You can also voice your opinions at the ASHS "Sounding Platform." Use our on-line chat service to meet and interact with other Astronaut Scholars - it's a great way to network.
Through on-line meetings, the web support and design team are continually working to improve these sites. Future plans include having individual biographical pages on each astronaut and Astronaut Scholar, photos and descriptions of Astronaut - Scholar Annual Meetings, and entertaining interactive features.
The web team would like to hear your comments on the new sites. Please feel free to send an E-mail message to Tony DeLia or Larry Bradley, and let them know what you think. Also, we would like to hear from all Astronaut Scholars who have E-mail addresses and/or web pages. It would help us keep in contact with all 95 (and growing) of you!
On-Line Chat Sessions
All Astronaut Scholars, astronauts, and other members and friends of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation are invited to attend on-line chat sessions with other scholars, astronauts, and friends at the ASHS Web Chat Room.
Then, follow the instructions. Pre-established times will be announced by E-mail. If you have not sent your E-mail address to Lisa Beeson, please do so! We hope to schedule guest appearances by astronauts in the future.
Volunteer Opportunities
Astronaut Scholar volunteers are being sought to help carry out the mission of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and Astronaut Scholars Honor Society. Please contact Lisa Beeson at the E-mail address or telephone numbers listed on page 2 if you are interested in doing any of the following:
- Assist with writing and preparation of this semi-annual Astronaut Scholars magazine.
- Assist with coordination of the 1998 Astronaut - Scholar Meeting.
- Assist with fund raising for Astronaut Scholar activities, especially the annual meeting. NOTE: This may include sending letters to and/or personally contacting corporations, non-profit foundations, and individuals. It may also include working with travel companies, such as airlines, hotels, and rental car agencies, to obtain discounted or complimentary travel for Astronaut Scholars to attend the annual meeting.
- Take the lead to coordinate the ASHS logo contest at the 1998 Astronaut - Scholar Meeting.
- Write press releases about activities of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and Astronaut Scholars Honor Society.
- Contact technical society journals and newspapers from our colleges and universities to arrange for publication of our press releases and articles about Astronaut Scholars.
- Presentation of the Astronaut Scholarship to next years recipient at your alma mater.
Studying Architecture in Italy
Matt Tripi, Pennsylvania State University, 1996-97, 1997-98
Matt is a second year Astronaut Scholar at Penn State, where he is in the University Honors Program working toward a Bachelors degree in Architectural Engineering. He and his fiancee, Tessa Heebner, joined us at the 1997 Astronaut - Scholar meeting in May. Tessa recently graduated from Penn State with a degree of high distinction in nursing and will be working at Gettysburg Hospital.
At the end of the Spring semester, Matt was looking forward to boarding a plane bound for Italy, where he was planning to study architecture in Rome for six weeks with Penn States Department of Architecture. His primary area of research is in the area of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP). He is about to have some of his work published for the first time!
During his undergraduate studies, Matt has been employed as a Research Assistant in the Department of Engineering Science & Mechanics. He plans to continue to graduate school. In addition, he has been studying the Italian language in preparation for his trip. He also volunteers with the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. His hobbies include computer programming, weight training, and more recently, "Surfing the Net."
Global Positioning Systems Promises More Conveniences for the Future
David Brandon Smith, North Carolina State University, 1997-98
David Smith is working toward a Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering at NC State and is interested in global positioning technology, with possible application to intelligent transportation systems. He requested and was granted an opportunity to cross-train, outside of his job assignment in the photogrammetry unit at the NC Department of Transportation, to learn more about photogrammetric mapping and the underlying mathematics. He had the chance to work with the stereo plotters used as well as the computer program used for camera position triangulation.
While working at the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, David worked with streamflow hydrograph derivations on multiple self-chosen storm systems. Given the opportunity to research a large amount of data, David was able to have a good grasp on rainfall runoff / streamflow relationships.
Originally from Hickory, North Carolina, David is described as having a friendly manner, excellent sense of humor, and proactive organizational skills. He was chosen by his peers to serve as President of Chi Epsilon, the Civil Engineering Honor Society. He was nominated and then selected for the Astronaut Scholarship not only for his outstanding academic performance but also for his individual initiative and natural scientific curiosity evidenced in activities outside the classroom.
During Davids work at the Corps of Engineers, he developed new approaches for performing hydrologic modeling that were significant advances in the state of their practice. He has also been discussing an idea to investigate expanded roadside assistance services for motorists utilizing global positioning systems. He has already worked in engineering functions at three different levels of government while only a junior in college. He hopes to maintain close customer proximity in his future engineering endeavors, because he feels that "observing the reactions of the people you affect is the only way to measure your success or failure as an engineer."
David has a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
Personal Initiative Allows Scholar to Get Involved in Professional Activities Early-On
Christopher K. Bentley, North Carolina A&T State University, 1997-98
Christopher Bentley is a senior, majoring in Mathematics at North Carolina A&T State University. From the beginning of his academic career, he has indicated interest in mathematics research. He has been a researcher in the Partnership for Excellence in the Natural Sciences (PENS) program for two and a half years. He is so committed to his future in the profession that he has, more than once, paid his own way to technical conferences. He serves as Treasurer of the NC A&T State Chapter of the Mathematical Association of America.
Christopher had plans to study Real Analysis at Carnegie-Mellon in Pittsburgh during this past summer and is preparing for graduate school. When he began his first year at NC A&T State, Christopher registered for Calculus 1, since scores from a placement test had not yet reached the Math Department. When the scores were finally received, the department chair decided to move Christopher into Calculus 2. Even though it was six weeks into the semester, he still earned a grade of A.
He has spoken about his academic research work at the NAFEO conference twice. The title of this years presentation was "Regression by Least Square Method." He discussed the use of non-linear relationships within the least square approach and describes its practical importance. He also participates in the Ronald P. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program which encourages students to attend graduate school and earn a doctorate.
Through his own initiative, Christopher attended the Undergraduate MATHFest IV and V and the Southeastern Section of the Mathematical Association of America, sometimes arranging for his own transportation a couple of states away. He is described as being "one of the best there is" by an Assistant Professor at his University.
Outside the classroom, Christopher is a math tutor, Treasurer of the Mathematical Association of America Student Chapter, member of the University Marching and Concert Bands, Secretary of the Music Fraternity, and members of several honor societies. He presented some of his research at the National Association for Ethnic Opportunity Conference in Washington, D. C. in 1995 and 1996. His goal is to pursue graduate studies in Operations Research or Stochastic Processes and earn a Ph.D.
Zoological Research Takes Scholar to Many Interesting Places Around the World
Sarah M. Karpanty, Miami University, 1997-98
Sarah Karpanty will complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology in May 1998 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Her nomination form stated, "Based upon character and leadership, achievements in scholarship and grantsmanship, and creativity and accomplishments in research, Sarah Karpanty ranks in the top 5 undergraduate students I have had in my 30 years of teaching at Miami University." She has received 2 research grants, and even completed her department and University Honors Thesis in her junior year. She published a technical paper while in high school and has two more in preparation. Sarah has also conducted field studies at the Cincinnati Zoo, Metzgar Marsh at Lake Erie, and in Costa Rica.
Last spring, Sarah had plans to study raptor foraging behavior on lemurs in Madagascar in late 1997. She wants to pursue a career in avian research. After obtaining a doctoral degree in ecological sciences, Sarah plans to focus her career on field research in avian ecology and conservation biology in both temperate and tropical regions. Her diverse research experiences have allowed her to experience four realms of ecology and to learn the importance and benefits of cooperative research activities.
Sarah directs the student-run programs at the raptor Rehabilitation Center at Miami University. She organizes museum programs for local elementary schools, conducts nocturnal bird workshops for the community, and judges Science fairs. She is taking French classes to strengthen her language skills in order to improve her ability to work in some of the places where she conducts research.
One of the honors Sarah has received is a scholarship awarded to individuals who have served as a golf caddie and demonstrated dedication to academics, athletics, and service. She has been Treasurer and President of the Hueston Woods Student Naturalist Club as well as being a volunteer at the Maumee Bay State Park Nature Center, Black Swamp Bird Observatory, and Hueston Woods State Park Raptor Rehabilitation Center.
As with all Astronaut Scholars, Sarah is a unique individual in the science and engineering community.
A Leader of Student Physics Research Teams at an Early Stage
Whittier Myers, Harvey Mudd College, 1997-98
Whit Myers was the only sophomore in the 1996-97 academic year at Harvey Mudd College to take the upper division Computational Physics course. He is described as "the top student in the class of 11 physics majors." He is working on a Bachelors degree in Physics, which should be completed in Spring 1999.
Whit is also the only sophomore to participate in the Physics Clinic research program, where he has taken the lead in plasma modeling and data analysis in his research team of four physics majors. His achievements are exemplary. His team is working on a project on deuterium gas arc discharge, applied to the development of powerful ultra-violet light sources, sponsored by BHK, Inc. Whit has made progress in open-ended problems on Monte Carlo simulation of Ising model magnetic phase transitions and on Fourier spectral methods of solving partial differential equations describing heat flow and electrical currents.
Whit is described as "personable, cooperative, and friendly . . . His interest and enthusiasm is contagious." He enjoys nature photography and took third place in a National History Day Paper competition in Arizona. He wants to go on to graduate school, with a subdiscipline which will combine his interest in computers and mathematics with physics.
Acoustical Research at the 1996 Olympic Games
Mary Lyn G. Rivamonte, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1997-98
Mary Lyn Rivamonte is an Aerospace Engineering major, who expects to complete her undergraduate degree in Spring 1999. She is an outstanding student with a strong record of research experience at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). Mary Lyn started Georgia Tech with 37 hours of college credit, accrued through Advanced Placement examinations taken during high school. She has typically taken 20 credit hours per academic quarter, an incredible work load at Georgia Tech! Yet she still maintains a 3.9 grade point average.
Mary Lyn conducted an experiment to determine low frequency sound absorption by Helmholtz resonators buried in sound absorbing blankets, using flat Tupperware containers of the right size, wherein she cut a hole to mount a length of tube. This approach provided a quick and cheap, yet effective, experimental method. She also assisted in the design of a survey to evaluate residents responses to the acoustic environment of a neighborhood during a period of increased helicopter traffic resulting from the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. She has conducted acoustic testing for both flow and no-flow cases to evaluate the performance of jet nozzles.
Mary Lyn has completed two research papers for GTRI contracts, including modifying an open jet wind-tunnel jet collector and participating in helicopter noise measurements. She hopes to have a career in research and development in the aerospace engineering industry, perhaps at Lockheed or Boeing, or as a research professor.
Control Systems: Career Interest for this Second Year Astronaut Scholar
Joseph T. Napoli, Washington University, 1996-97, 1997-98
Joe Napoli was selected to receive the Astronaut Scholarship for the second year in a row. He is making progress toward a doctoral degree in Systems Science and Engineering. He has focused his efforts on control systems, and is described as "an unusually thorough scientist." Joes career objectives include working in industry, where new engineering ideas are tested in real world applications. He enjoys implementing engineering solutions as well as understanding their theoretical background. He would like to design and implement original control systems.
Joe has been a member of the Washington University Mens Varsity Swimming team, where he holds 2 school records and has served as Captain for 2 years. He was named as a GTE Academic All-American in 1996. During summers, Joe has held various jobs, ranging from a real estate property management assistant to a lifeguard with the Chicago Park District.
Ph. D. Candidate Interested in Commercial Space Ventures
Derek Lang, University of Washington, 1996-97, 1997-98
Derek is another second year Astronaut Scholar. He met several astronauts involved with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, last May, when he attended the annual Astronaut - Scholar Meeting. Derek has been serving as Secretary / Treasurer of the newly formed Astronaut Scholars Honor Society, which is described elsewhere in this magazine.
Following are excerpts from an update which Derek recently wrote for the Foundation:
"I am currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Washington. My career goals include working in space transportation operations and later teaching aerospace engineering at the university level. . .
"In Winter 1996, I successfully completed classes in fluids and structures. These courses in addition to those from the previous quarter prepared me for the Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering Departments qualification examination. This examination is required for eligibility into the doctoral program. Though it is the first step in the process, it is probably the most formidable examination of a doctoral program. The examination consisted of a five day take-home written portion prepared by five faculty committee members - three in a major area of fluid dynamics, and one each in controls and structures, for breadth. Success in this phase led to a two hour oral portion, where each committee member was allowed to ask a series of questions in their respective field. I passed this examination in Spring 1996.
"During Spring 1996, I also took a course entitled, Global Trade Transportation and Logistics. Traditional aerospace engineering programs tend to focus on scientific research and the technical aspects of engineering. As a result, students are less exposed to the economics and politics that are critical technology drivers. This course provided additional insight into these sometimes overlooked, but key, aspects that define the landscape of the transportation industry. Issues such as inter-model connectivity, environmental impacts, public opinion, facilities planning, and logistics networks will all define the pace at which space transportation is integrated into our daily lives."
Derek has decided that his dissertation topic will deal with basic research in high speed aerodynamics. He conducted research at the U. S. Air Force Academy for the summer as part of the Air Force Office of Scientific Graduate Student Research Program. His primary responsibility was to develop a capability for conducting heat transfer experiments in their supersonic wind tunnel, for the purpose of analyzing the aerodynamic characteristics of aerospace vehicles. This initial measurement capability using thermocouples led the way to a more sophisticated liquid crystal-based system that is being developed now. He is continuing research for the Academy at University of Washington and has been invited back to use this research as part of his dissertation. He will be adapting an existing wind tunnel at U. of Washington for conducting supersonic tests.
Derek says that the wind tunnel testing has been an experience of trial and error, at times. An early wind tunnel test resulted in the model detaching from its mount and shattering into hundreds of pieces as it flew down the tunnel at supersonic speeds. He views this experience philosophically, saying that "experience gained is directly proportional to the amount of equipment ruined", or "good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment." Full scale testing at the Air Force Academy is anticipated for the 1997-98 academic year. He optimistically plans to complete his doctoral program in Summer 1998.
Derek is a Senior Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and also recently presented a paper, entitled Sea Launch: Commercial Space Competitiveness at the Space 96 conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Earth Science Research Since the Age of Thirteen
Princesa VanBuren, University of Minnesota, 1997-98
Princesa VanBuren received the Astronaut Scholarship for the first time this year. She has a double major in Environmental Sciences and Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Minnesota and expects to graduate in Spring semester 1999. Princesa took second place in the International Science and Engineering Fair in 1994 and was a Westinghouse Science Talent Search Finalist in the same year. She began scientific research when she was only 13 years old!
Some of Princesa's research endeavors include: Capacitance probe reliability in soil moisture determination, Water quality and watershed monitoring, Subsurface contaminant flow and modeling of immiscible fluids, Hydrology and ground water flow, Computational fluid dynamics, and Particle physics, among other topics. This research has been conducted for the Argonne National Laboratory, U. S. Department of Agriculture - Research Service, Sandia National Laboratory, U. S. Bureau of Mines, and at Colorado State University for the National Science Foundation. Upon graduation with two bachelors degrees, she intends to attend graduate school.
When doing homework or writing up a lab report, Princesa always asks for additional information to make her assignment more complete. For example, when designing an irrigation system, she not only designed the system but also did additional work to bring in a management program and a cost / benefit analysis to the system - just because she wanted to know. As a good communicator, she has given demonstrations of the research that she is working on, to audiences ranging from prospective students to legislators. She gave the opening address at a recent annual meeting of the Minnesota Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.
Princesa recently completed an internship at the Waterways Experiment Station in Mississippi. While there, she had a telephone interview with the executive secretary of the Consulting Engineering Counsel of Minnesota. After the interview, the executive secretary contacted her adviser to set up a meeting, because he "just had to meet her."
Outside the classroom, Princesa regularly speaks to younger students, and is involved in the Superior Hiking Trail Association, The Nature Conservancy, and Minnesota Rovers.
Astrophysics Research is the Focus for this Astronaut Scholar
Timothy Joseph Rood, University of Colorado, 1997-98
Last year, Timothy Rood was ranked number one in his very competitive junior class. He is a team member of the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) Solar-Stellar Irradiance Comparison Experiment (SOLSTICE), and is working toward a bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering Sciences.
Timothy maintains an exemplary academic record while working 20-30 hours per week during school and full time during spring break and summer. He also actively participates in various student organizations. His nomination form for the Astronaut Scholarship stated that "his work ethic and concentration often eclipse the work of professional staff" at the laboratory where he works. His work on the SOLSTICE project is providing valuable experience in computer programming and data analysis. He has taken a special interest in astrophysics and the intricacies of solar and terrestrial orbits.
Timothy has been a camp counselor for the Summer Christian Service Corporation and is active in the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at the University of Colorado. He has a 3.9 grade point average.
Seeking a Cure for Leukemia
Jessica LoDuca, University of Central Florida, 1996-97, 1997-98
Jessica has been an Astronaut Scholar since 1996 and was fortunate to meet several astronauts and other Astronaut Scholarship Foundation board members at the most recent Astronaut - Scholar Meeting and tour of Kennedy Space Center.
She is an Honors program student in Chemistry and has done public service while studying for her undergraduate degree. Jessica has very evident interests in the applied nature of her scientific endeavors and an obvious concern with the community around her. She is working with a UCF professor on cancer-related research. They are seeking new cancer drugs, using colon and leukemia cancer cells in tissue culture. Jessica "displays a level of enthusiasm and creativity that is shown only in a few students", according to the Chair of the Chemistry Department. She hopes that her accomplishments will, one day, lead to a cure for leukemia.
Jessica has been a chemistry tutor and recently has served as Treasurer and Vice-President of the American Chemical Society at the University of Central Florida. She hopes to eventually work for a pharmaceutical company or the Drug and Disease Control Center.
Even as far back as elementary school, Jessica was involved with science. She won first place in the Broward County Science Fair by conducting an experiment to prove that fleas could not survive at -5 degrees C. The conclusion of the experiment proved to contradict here hypothesis, but this is a quite remarkable experiment for a grade schooler, don't you think?
Another interesting note about Jessica is a positive result of her attendance at the 1997 Astronaut - Scholar Meeting in Orlando. Her guest, Joshua Blomberg, secured a summer job with Westinghouse Electric Corporation after meeting a manager of the company at the Astronaut - Scholar luncheon. This organization has produced many outstanding side benefits to its scholars and other participants, above and beyond the scholarship awards.
Field Biology, African Drum Making, Native American Traditions, and...
Julien Ginsberg-Place, Tufts University, 1997-98
Julien Ginsberg-Place is majoring in Biology and excels in field work. He is described as being "extremely resourceful and inventive in creating adaptive structures and mechanisms for humans in somewhat inhospitable environments." He designs and builds outdoor shelters to survive winter, based on Native American tradition. He has experimented with underground shelters and above-ground transportable structures. Julien is working toward his undergraduate degree in Biology.
One of his projects involved researching of Alpine Ecosystems in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He says he found it "fascinating as well as horrifying to discover how little human impact was required to severely damage these fragile biological models." His study led to the conclusions about the development of trail design which would lessen human impact in the coming decades.
Another project involved looking at how coastal plants evolve their morphology in the face of severe environmental stress. He conducted this research in the Bahamas and also used the Biological Field Station of Tufts University. Last we heard, Julien had plans to begin research in Boston and the surrounding area on the effects of pollution on lichen growth and development. He hoped to map the extent of pollution centers in outlying regions.
Julien's activities outside the academic world have been diverse, including being a Karate Instructor, Head Chef at a restaurant, and instructing children ages 5-14 in birds, animals, wild edibles, and wilderness survival techniques. He has dabbled in canoe and paddle building, African drum-making, and sea kayaking. He received an Award for Excellence in Drama and Dance in 1994.
Seeking Improvements in Roads and Plastics Through Chemical Research
Scott Moffatt, Texas A&M University, 1997-98
Scott Moffatt is a Chemical Engineering student at Texas A&M who will graduate in May 1998. He has completed a year in the University Undergraduate Research Fellows Program, Texas A&M's premier undergraduate research program. His progress reports to the University Fellows have been described as "articulate and comprehensive." The project that Scott selected was directed at improving the low temperature physical properties of asphalt-rubber binders.
Scott used an Instron Direct Tensile Testing System to test different types of asphalts for suitability for road use. It was the first production model of the test machine, and he was the first person to do extensive work on it at the Center for Asphalt and Materials Chemistry. Through a trial-and-error process, he developed several techniques to make the direct tension tests more reproducible. He also filled in details of the standard procedure for direct tension testing.
Scott serves on the Student Engineers Council Publicity and Engineering Day committees at Texas A&M, the Staff of the Engineering Tutoring Center, and the Church College group Leadership Team and softball team. He is also in the Branch Buddy Program, where he works with elementary school children weekly.
Professionally, Scott has worked with Union Carbide Corporation in Louisiana, where he increased flows and capacities by 10-45% in the Methyl Glycol Ethers Unit by removing several bottlenecks, created a cooling water database of cooling water flows and pressures, and worked on a group project in the hydrocarbons furnace area that was part of initial testing for a major improvement project.
Scott has been accepted into the Accelerated BS / Masters Program through the Chemical Engineering Department. As a part of this program, he will be working for the Fina Technology Center in Deer Park, Texas for the next two summers, researching polyethylene. His goal is to finish a Masters degree, continue researching, and eventually become a group leader for specific research at a top chemical company.
Advanced Aerospace Design Using Graphite / Epoxy Composite Materials
Simon Gharibian, Syracuse University, 1997-98
Simon Gharibian hails from Paramus, New Jersey and has recently completed a bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering at Syracuse University. Simon is now working on a Master of Science degree in the subject. His research concerns the experimental determination of the fracture toughness of a graphite / epoxy composite with the ultimate goal of enabling these high-strength, high-stiffness composite materials to readily be used on future air and space vehicles. The structural weight savings achieved in this manner would allow for the success of future single-stage-to-orbit vehicles and hypersonic commercial jet service, such as a two-hour flight from New York to Tokyo, as well as a wide variety of other applications.
In April 1996, Simon presented his research results at the Northeast Regional ASME student conference, where he won first place in the technical presentation division. He also presented a paper, entitled Effect of Process Zone Constraint on the Fracture Toughness of a Laminated Graphite / Epoxy Composite, at the joint AIAA / ASME / ASCE / AHS / ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, where he won the Jefferson Goblet Student Paper Awards. The same paper has been submitted to the AIAA Journal.
Simon has been very involved in the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and has participated in the ASME formula race car project for two years. He is President of the Syracuse University Sigma Gamma Tau Student Chapter (the National Honor Society of Aerospace Engineering). Until recently, he also worked in the family business in electronic packaging design.
Simon's future plans are to complete a Masters degree and then continue doing research in composite materials. He hopes to obtain a job in industry in this field. On a longer-term basis, he plans to return to academia for his Ph.D. and ultimately to become a professor in a Department of Aerospace Engineering at a teaching and research university.
Aspirations to Work in the Space Industry Come True
David Patrick McKinley, Purdue University, 1997-98
David McKinley will finish an undergraduate degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics in May 1998 at Purdue University. He received the Astronaut Scholarship in the 1997-98 academic year. In addition to his outstanding academic record, David is a cooperative education employee at Hughes Space and Communication Company. His work supervisors have stated that "he has exhibited a strong technical grasp of his project and has quickly responded to new technical challenges that have appeared along the way. His presentation and organization have been very professional", and "Dave operates in a very professional manner with outstanding enthusiasm. He contributed greatly to both the GALAXY and PANAMSAT programs."
David is involved with Students for the Exploration and Development of Space, which is an organization that is in the process of building a small payload module for flight on the space shuttle which will contain several experiments. He says himself that his "career aspirations have revolved around participating in the exploration and development of space." His childhood heroes were Wernher Von Braun and John Glenn. Wont it be exciting the first time Dave gets to meet one of his heroes, John Glenn?
Dave worked summer jobs during high school to pay for a trip to U. S. Space Camp and did an independent science project to build a static liquid fueled rocket engine.
At work, he has been involved with the Electrical Harness Integration team which ensures that all power, telemetry, and command signals within a spacecraft are designed properly. He was assigned, at one point, to do simulations of spacecraft dynamics and control systems.
Georgia Tech Scholarship Recipient Becomes Entrepreneur
Joel Odom, Georgia Tech, 1996-1997
When 1996-97 Astronaut Scholarship recipient Joel Odom began his physics degree at Georgia Tech, he never thought that he would graduate and start a company of his own. "I figured that Id be going on to graduate school. What else would you do with a physics degree?" However, after a few years at Georgia Tech, he realized that things would end up more exciting than he ever realized; Joel and four engineering majors from Tech decided to found their own company. Juggernautics, LLC was the result.
"Its really tough starting a company," Joel says, "There are more complications than I ever figured that there would be, but the accomplishment of starting a successful business is well worth the trouble. Ive learned more in the last four months about how the world works than I did in four years at Georgia Tech."
Juggernautics primary business is in Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical engineering. The company is interested in designing, prototyping, and manufacturing the mechanical, electronic, and software systems required for automation. "With my physics background, I do a little bit of it all."
Past customers have included British Telecom and MCI, but what does the future hold for Juggernautics? "There are a bunch of exciting projects on our plate that range from machines to software packages. I cant talk about most of our work because were under nondisclosure. The best thing to do to keep up with the company is check out our web page." The address is www.juggernautics.com.