The Only Constant is Change
by Howard Benedict, Executive DirectorWe have changed our name from Mercury Seven Foundation to Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and many of you Mercury Scholars, professors, and department head have asked, "Why?"
Our astronauts are responsible for raising most of the money that goes into our scholarship fund, and, last year, with the realization that the five remaining Project Mercury astronauts will not be able to raise funds forever, the Board of Directors voted to broaden the membership and to change the name to better reflect our new structure.
More than two dozen former astronauts from the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs have signed on to help with our education effort. Our roster of astronauts now totals 31.
The addition of there new, younger members - plus those recruited later - will enable us to continue raising money far into the future as we build a scholarship fund for perpetuity.
While the name has changed, our scholarship recipients will continue to be called Mercury Scholars. That way we preserve the name of the pioneering Mercury astronauts who founded this program.
For the 1996-97 academic year, we are selecting 15 Mercury Scholars. Each will receive a $7,500 award.
Mercury Scholars Have Diverse Interests
by Lisa Beeson, Scholarship CommitteeThis has been a very interesting and busy year for Mercury Scholars. For most scholars, every minute is filled with work, school, home, and other activities. Mercury Scholars are never satisfied with simply doing their job or studying for their classes at college. They are involved in laboratory research, tutoring students, volunteering for community activities, sports, and raising children!
This year's newsletter has a format which is slightly different from our past publications. Newspaper-style articles are included, along with photographs of scholars. I hope this newsletter encourages our current and past scholars to contribute their creative ideas in the future.
As always, I would love to receive your comments and contributions. You may contact me any time during the year at Lisa@AstronautScholars.org.
Raising the Roof at Amoco
Georgia Tech, 1990-91 and 1991-92
Brad Moore graduated from Georgia Tech in 1993 with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Since then, he has been working for Amoco Chemical Company in Decatur, Alabama as a project manager.
Brad is responsible for implementing ideas. For example, someone on the unit team, be it another engineer, an operator, a maintenance person, or a supervisor, will develop an idea for a project. Then, Brad is responsible for getting money appropriated for it, completing the detailed design, and following the project through construction. He is currently working on twenty projects.
One of his primary projects is raising the roofs of two aluminum buildings in the middle of the unit to an elevation of about 40 feet above grade while the unit is running. The contractor bids are expected to come in at about $500,000.
Brad is also working on several platforms and monorails to provide either better access or better maintainability for existing equipment. Another project is running a new supply line for transporting raw material to the unit from a storage tank. For operability and maintainability reasons, a mile-long gravity-flow suction line to a pump will be installed to feed the material into the unit.
Outside of Amoco, Brad is working on an exercise nutritional program. And, as if managing half-million dollar projects is not enough, Brad has recently started a home-based business in Huntsville, Alabama and enjoys playing air hockey and Laser Tag.
A New Job and a New Marriage
Miami University, 1993-94
Jennifer Melson (formerly Jennifer Regan) reports that many changes have occurred in her life since our last newsletter. She got married, completed a Master's degree, and started a new job, not necessarily in that order. Jennifer reports the following:
"A lot has happened over the last few months. I am happy to report that since the publication of the last newsletter, I have gotten married!! In fact, I have now been happily married for almost 6 months! My husband, Chad, and I exchanged vows on October 28, 1995 in Kumler Chapel on Miami University's campus (our alma mater); a little over 5 years from the day that we were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend.
"In December 1995, I graduated from The University of Michigan with an M.S.E. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAME). I was also lucky enough to have been nominated by the NAME department at Michigan for the Marion Sarah Parker Prize; an award given to a female graduate student who has exhibited outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, and community service. Although I did not win, it was quite an honor to have been nominated.
"More recently, I have begun working at Andersen Consulting LLP in Cincinnati as an analyst in the Technology Competency Group. Our main responsibility is to unite the people, processes, technology, and strategies of an organization to help them become leaders in their industry group. The work is quite exciting, and I hope to be able to tell you more about it in the near future.
"I would like to thank the members of the Mercury 7 Foundation and their families for allowing me to receive this scholarship. I will always look back on winning this scholarship as the highlight of my academic career."
Jennifer reports that she and her husband do quite a bit of business travel.
Stars in His Eyes
Pennsylvania State University, 1994-1996
Daniel Reichart will complete an outstanding accomplishment this year when he receives three bachelor's degrees from the Pennsylvania State University He will graduate with Honors in Astronomy & Astrophysics and will also complete bachelor's degrees in Physics and Mathematics with a minor in History.
Daniel has not just completed three degrees, but he has also been inducted into several honor societies and received numerous scholarships. He was named as a Pennsylvania State University Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics Standard Bearer. He plans to continue his education by pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics at the University of Chicago.
For the past several years, Daniel has worked as a summer research assistant in the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics at PSU. Using burst and transient source experiment data from NASAs orbiting Compton gamma ray observatory and related Pioneer Venus Orbiter data, spatial and luminosity distributions of cosmological gamma ray burst populations have been modeled and fit.
He also created and programmed a computer-based archaeoastronomical reconstruction of Stonehenge. Viewing the site in perspective during any phase of its construction, users make real-time observations of the sun and moon, allowing investigation of astronomical alignments and solar eclipses. He is cowriting a manual for this program with Dr. Louis Winkler, Assistant Professor at PSU. In order to prepare for this work, Daniel spent two weeks conducting independent research in archaeoastronomy at Cambridge University and Stonehenge as part of the PSU Scholars Program London Study Tour.
You may remember from last year's newsletter that Daniel founded and continues to coordinate an annual summer program in which high school and undergraduate college students learn radio astronomy and research methodology The program is held at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia and is now a credit course at the University of Pittsburgh.
Daniel has made numerous presentations regarding his work in astronomy, including his most recent poster presentation entitled The Spatial and Luminosity Distributions of Cosmological Gamma Ray Bursts at the 186th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in 1995. He has at least two more presentations scheduled for 1996.
Smart Scholar Studies Smart Structures
Texas A&M University, 1993-94 and 1994-95
Shayne Short is working toward a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Texas A&M University. He received two Mercury Seven scholarships while working on his Master's degree in the same subject.
Shayne is employed as a Research Assistant by the Texas Engineering Experiment Station in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Texas A&M. His project title is Optical Fiber Sagnac Interferometry for Space Platform and Other Smart Structure Applications. This research project focuses on novel implementations of optical fiber Sagnac interferometry for a variety of space applications. The primary focus of this research will be to further the development of the in-line Sagnac interferometer for specific sensing applications. These applications will be geared for distributed strain and magnetic field sensing to provide feedback in smart structure space platform systems. Another point of high interest in this project is the continuation of the development of this optical fiber system for sensing current through a conductor. Preliminary efforts made at Texas A&M have been very promising. This project intends to devote resources to the pursuit of both current sensing and strain sensing in parallel.
Shayne is currently working under a NASA / Texas Space Grant Consortium Fellowship, Ebensberger Graduate Fellowship, and James M. Crawford Memorial Scholarship. He has several publications, including one entitled Evaluation of Methods for Discrimination of Energized Underground Cables, published in January 1995.
Outside of the academic world, Shayne is an avid World War II weekend historian. He is particularly interested in the Eastern front war in Europe, between the Nazis and the Russians. He plans to visit Poland, the Ukraine, Byelorussia, and the numerous "new" countries that have recently gained independence (e.g.: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic).
Shayne also spends time studying foreign languages, including French and Spanish. His wife's family is originally from Uruguay, although they have lived in the United States for over twenty years. He says that this affords him an excellent opportunity in which to practice his Spanish. He has been dabbling in Italian and German but reports that progress has been very slow in those two languages.
Finally Shayne is a fanatical fan of the Texas A M Aggies football team. Going to home football games during fall semester is one of his favorite breaks from research and studies.
Shayne has been married to Ana Estevez de Short since May 1994. She is studying law at Baylor University. They would like to have at least four children (but have none so far).
Mercury Scholar Contributes at NIST
North Carolina A&T State University, 1994-95
Vernon Simmons graduated from the North Carolina A&T State University with a bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics and is currently working in Maryland at NIST. Vernon plans to attend either the University of Pittsburgh or the University of Delaware, beginning in August 1996, to pursue a Master's degree.
Researching Antibiotics
University of Central Florida, 1988-89
Tim Henderson was a Mercury Scholar at the University of Central Florida, where he received a bachelor's degree. Following that experience, Tim moved to California and achieved a master's degree from the University of California at San Diego.
Through Tim's grandfather, we learned that he is working at a job in which he studies the effectiveness of antibiotics on people. As reported in the press, antibiotics are becoming less effective as new and different types of infectious organisms develop in response to the antibiotics which are currently in use.
Tim is working on many projects simultaneously, including one for which the end product will be sent to Switzerland. He may have to opportunity to visit that country as part of his work on the project.
An interesting note is that Tim got his current job after sending out only two resumes - remarkable, especially in today's business climate!
Is there a doctor in the house?
North Carolina State University, 1990-91
Ed Schatte completed his bachelor's degree work in Biochemistry and Microbiology at North Carolina State University. He is now living in Houston, Texas and is a medical doctor, in residency, at Baylor University.
Is there a doctor in the house?
Pennsylvania State University, 1989-90
Emil Hayek completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Science at Penn State in December 1990. At the latest report, Emil expected to complete a degree to be a medical doctor in May 1995. He was planning to start residency in internal medicine at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and then pursue a fellowship in cardiology.
Pursuit of Continuous Lifetime Learning
University of Colorado, 1995-96
Nicole King is the first and only (so far) Mercury Scholar from the University of Colorado. She is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and has known since high school that she wanted to become an aerospace engineer. She entered the Metropolitan State College of Denver seven years after graduating from high school and transferred to the University of Colorado after two years of study.
At the latest report, Nicole expected to complete her bachelor's degree in May 1996 and was looking forward to graduate school at either the University of Colorado or MIT She would eventually like to begin a career as a systems engineer so that she can have the flexibility to work in any field and continue learning throughout her career. In addition to pursuing these worthy goals, Nicole raises two children!
Understanding Nature from a Technical and Practical Point of View
Harvey Mudd College, 1995-96
Carl Coryell-Martin is, an is current working to achieve a Bachelor's degree in Physics, and is a current Mercury Seven Scholar. As a junior, from Seattle, Washington, Carl states that his career goal is "to increase our understanding of the natural world and how humanity lives within it."
According to Henry Riggs, of Harvey Mudd, "Carl feels that a thorough understanding of physics and basic physical systems, combined with a strong mathematical background, will give him the tools to solve problems in any number of areas. In addition to his intellectual and philosophic bent, Carl enjoys testing his mental and physical prowess in the great outdoors."
Carl coordinates the Harvey Mudd College Outdoor Group and leads students on back-country hiking or ski trips, each semester. He is also an American Red Cross instructor - a role in which he conducts emergencyresponse training at the Claremont Colleges. Carl also enjoys constructing ets for theater productions.
Carl exemplifies the versatility which is sought for Mercury Seven Scholars. We predict that he and other Mercury Scholars will be among the scientists and engineers who will be the leaders of tomorrow.
Multiple Scholarship Awards to Pursue Multiple Degrees
University of Minnesota, 1994-95 and 1995-96
Sarah Braasch has received two Mercury Seven scholarships and is also pursuing two bachelor's degrees: Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering. She expects to complete both degrees in June 1997. She is a research assistant in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, working on spherical and cylindrical particle migration in shear flows and oscillatory shear flows of a viscoelastic liquid.
One of Sarah's favorite classes has been a spacecraft design class in which students designed a reusable launch vehicle. She was responsible for the aerodynamic design and for optimizing the re-entry trajectory.
At the latest report, Sarah was planning to spend Spring Quarter 1996 doing research in Toulouse, France in the area of control science and dynamical systems. She also recently completed an internship with the Boeing Company, where she was a member of critical design review of the lateral control systems on the 737 aircraft.
A Love for Learning Lasts a Lifetime
Washington University, 1994-95 and 1995-96
Rob Pollack is the current Mercury Scholar at Washington University He expects to complete a bachelor's degree in Mathematics in May 1996. Rob is participating in an independent study in Algebraic Number Theory He finds the subject fascinating and is aiming to prepare for performing a research project in the field.
Rob considers his "big break" to have occurred during the summer after his sophomore year in high school. He attended the Ross Young Scholars Program at Ohio State University, a program which could be the most intense and strongest high school program in the country for mathematics. Rob attributes most of his academic success to his experience at that program, which he returned to for the next five summers. Participants of the program develop a respect for learning and a deep appreciation of mathematics and the natural sciences.
Besides math, Rob enjoys ballroom dancing, ultimate Frisbee, piano, volleyball, and tutoring high school students.
Wastewater Treatment is a Priority for this Future Professor
University of Washington, 1993-94, 1994-95, and 1995-96
Angela Bielefeldt has received the Mercury Seven scholarship three times and is our current scholar from the University of Washington. She has a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University and a master's degree in the subject from the University of Washington. Now, she is working toward a Ph.D., with an expected completion date of July 1996.
Angela's research focuses on biological treatment of gases contaminated with volatile organic compounds, such as BTEX. She has given lectures for a Hazardous Waste Engineering class and Fundamentals of Water Wastewater Treatment. She also has at least one technical publication to her credit.
At the latest report, Angela has secured a position as an Assistant professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, beginning in August 1996. She will be a member of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering.
Materials Research at Tufts University
Tufts University, 1995-96
Sarah Krikorian is the current Mercury Scholar from Tufts University. She expects to complete a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering in May 1996. As part of her studies, Sarah conducts laboratory research in the Materials Science Lab, concentrating on mapping out the ultrasonic velocities on a cast aluminum stepped piece. These velocities can be used to predict potential material failure point.
Sarah is in the Tau Beta Pi National and is an All-American Scholar. In addition, she has been recognized by the United States Achievement Academy for Engineering. Sarah has at least one publication and has conducted summer research under a National Science Foundation grant on the topic of Synthesis and Characterization of Ceramic Metal Nanocomposites.
She has many outside interests, including participation in the Armenian Club, sailing, swimming, and tennis.
Application of Mechanical Engineering to Space Studies
Syracuse University, 1994 -95 and 1995-96
Michael Kegerise has received the Mercury Seven scholarship for both academic years for which Syracuse University has received this award. He completed a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering in May 1994 and is currently pursuing a graduate degree.
Michael is a research assistant in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering and had plans to work at the NASA Langley Research Center during the summer of 1995 on a comparative study of three different hot-wire techniques in a Mach 3.5 flow
Observing Outer Space
Purdue University, 1994-95 and 1995-96
Athony Roach is currently a Mercury Scholar and expects to complete two bachelor's degrees in May 1996. His areas of study are Honors Physics and Mathematics. Anthony works as a research assistant at the High Energy Astrophysics (HEAP) group at Purdue. He recently observed the Schuemaker-Levy comet collision with Jupiter. In addition, Anthony created a home page on the Internet for the HEAP group.
Anthony planned to work at the Fermi National Accelerator Lab during the summer of 1995.
Pursuing Justice
Pennsylvania State University, 1987-88 and 1988-89
John Shaw sends his thanks to the Mercury Seven astronauts and the Foundation board. Although he graduated several years ago, John said that hearing from us reminded him of how the Mercury Seven Scholarship enabled him to engage in the great research experience that led to his undergraduate thesis. Notably, his undergraduate thesis, on the topic of Wear Properties of Carbide Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites, received the Department Thesis Prize for the best thesis. John received the Mercury Seven Scholarship for two consecutive years and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Science in 1989.
He went on to law school and completed a J. D. (Magna Cum Laude) at the University of Pittsburgh in 1994. During law school, John published Principled Interpretations of State Constitutional Law - Do the Primacy States Practice What They Preach?
John is now an attorney with the law firm of Young, Canaway, Stargatt, and Taylor. He engages in commercial, corporate, and intellectual property litigation.
On the personal side, John has been married for approximately 3 years to Julia Shaw, who graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Penn State in 1989 and an MBA from the University of Delaware in 1992. Julia is a Project Engineer at DuPont.
How Can a Power Plant Clean the Air?
Georgia Tech, 1987-88, 1988-89, and 1989-90
Lisa Beeson volunteers with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and is an Advanced Engineer with the Westinghouse Power Generation Business Unit in Orlando, Florida. She is responsible for troubleshooting problems at operating combustion turbine and steam turbine power plants around the world and for developing solutions to the problems.
Prior to her current position, Lisa accumulated significant experience at Westinghouse in environmental permitting, noise control, air quality, siting, compliance testing, and other environmental work related to power generation projects. An article was published recently explaining that one of her power plant acoustical designs is extremely quiet. This was accomplished primarily by situating buildings and other natural barriers between the noisiest equipment and the neighboring homes which were only 250 feet away. After the plant had been operating for about 6 months, Lisa visited the plant to measure sound levels in the neighborhood. One of the residents approached her and asked when the plant would be started up. Since he couldn't hear anything, he assumed that the plant was not yet operating.
Now, she is involved in design of retrofits, testing, and implementation of modifications for every aspect of power generation plants, including mechanical and structural design issues, environmental compliance, electrical systems, fluid flow monitoring and control, plant, computer control systems, and more. She has analyzed fuel to determine the cause of accelerated hot corrosion in combustion turbines and designed and implemented an automatic tank dewatering system and water-in-oil monitoring devices for the fuel oil system in order to prevent recurrence. Currently, she is involved in a project to reduce the carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from a power plant which includes two combustion turbines, two afterburners, and an auxiliary boiler. The CO emission limit is 2.6 parts per million (ppm), and the ambient level has been reported to be as high as 10 ppm! This plant is required to clean the air!
Lisa plays wallyball and volleyball twice a week with co-workers and friends. In addition, she has begun creating and selling silk flower arrangements as an extension of her long-time hobby. Lisa is shown with a gift she made for her mother. She also enjoys spending time at the beaches near Orlando, working on landscaping projects at home, and striving to create an inviting and comfortable yet elegant home.
Working on Computers is a Family Affair
University of Central Florida, 1994-95
Susan Hallman received a Mercury Seven scholarship during the 1994-95 academic year for her work toward a bachelor's degree in Physics. Susan has completed that degree and is now pursuing a Ph.D. She is working in the area of particle physics, conducting computer data analysis.
In addition to her studies and research activities, Susan is married and has a 4 year old daughter. During the telephone interview for this article, Susan reported that her daughter was busy at work on the family computer!
Aircraft - From Piloting to Researching
Georgia Tech, 1995-96
Kevin Peterson received his first Mercury Seven scholarship this year and has been studying aerospace engineering at Georgia Tech. Kevin was born and raised in western Montana. His high school years were spent in Kalispell, which is a hop, skip, and a jump away from Glacier National Park. During high school, he worked at an airport where he obtained his private pilot's license.
After graduation from high school, Kevin headed to Troy, New York and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to study aeronautical engineering. He spent two summers fighting wild land fires in Montana. During his undergraduate education, Kevin conducted research for Dr. Nagamatsu for three years. They were optimizing the ejector nozzle geometry for cannon bore evacuators. All of his free time was spent climbing the Adirondacks and Schawuanagunks.
When Kevin graduated from Rensselaer, he immediately headed to Georgia Tech. His first summer consisted of learning to kayak and getting familiar with the school and the area. His research focused on vortex dynamics of delta wing aircraft at high angles of attack. During the last two years, Kevin worked on three conference presentations. After four months of intense research last summer, he headed west on a five week road trip before starting the fall quarter. Kevin and his climbing partner visited Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado on quite an incredible journey.
Recently, he finished and defended his master's thesis and passed the Ph.D. qualifying exa m. Kevin will be accepting a job offer from Bell Helicopter at the end of the spring quarter and leaving Georgia Tech for the time being.
There's No Language Barrier for This Scholar
Miami University, 1995-96
John Hofferberth is a current Mercury Scholar. He expects to complete dual bachelor's degrees in Chemistry and Engineering Physics at the end of 1996. He participated in a summer internship program at Marion Merrell Dow, where he researched organic synthesis of derivatives of biologically important compounds for use as building blocks in the design of new drugs.
John is a member of the Chemistry honorary society and was selected as a Miami University Scholar Leader, a program for which only 44 students were selected from the student body. He is also vice-president of the Miami Striders Running Club.
John has been known to translate technical articles from German to English, if those articles are of interest to his area of research. Many students would have simply ignored those articles. However, one of John's professors who is a native of Germany, reported that John's translations were flawless.
At last report, John hoped to work toward a Ph.D., following his undergraduate work, and then pursue a research position in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry.
On the Leading Edge of Computer Graphics
University of Central Florida, 1995-96
Travis Terry is a current Mercury Seven Scholar and is spending much of his time doing computer graphics work. He completed a bachelor's degree in Computer Sciences at the University of Central Florida and is currently working toward a master's degree in the same subject.
Travis works at the Naval Air Warfare Center for the University of Central Florida. He is a Research Assistant in Human Systems Integration where he designs and implements visualization systems to assist in training Navy personnel. His focus is on submarine crews, and he is currently working on a prototype system to teach sonar skills to advanced students. Travis has also been active in writing design specifications for projects at work. These specifications are used to build the basic framework for current and future computer systems.
As an undergraduate, Travis received several scholarships for high achievement in computer science and overall achievement in academics. He competed in the ACM Computer Programming Contest twice, where his team advanced to the finals both years and placed seventh in 1994. Because he competed twice at the international level of this contest, Travis is no longer eligible to compete. However, he now coaches one of the teams from UCF He uses his experience to guide new students in their preparations for the contest. This year, his team placed eighth at the regional competition. Travis is also coordinating a similar contest for high school students.
His Dreams are Flying High
Texas A&M University, 1995-96
Kristopher Lee is currently studying for a master's degree in Electrical Engineering at Texas A&M, expecting to finish in May 1997. He already holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the school.
Kristopher is another scholar with work experience at NASA Johnson Space Center. He has worked there as an Engineering Trainee in the Propulsion and Power Division. He models fluid systems and uses the models in the design process to reduce the number of iterations necessary to arrive at a final design. At the latest report, Kristopher was working on the propulsion system for the international space station's crew return vehicle.
At Texas A&M, Kristopher was a President's Endowed Scholar as an undergraduate and a College of Engineering Distinguished Student.
Kristopher is "very excited about being involved in the space program. I think human involvement in space pushes the U. S. forward technologically it also has forged new alliances between historically hostile countries. My ultimate goal is to be selected as a NASA astronaut and to fly on the shuttle (or whatever the current vehicle is at that time). I dream of orbiting the Earth some day."
Developing Smaller, More Efficient Instrumentation
Harvey Mudd College, 1993-94, 1994-95
Leo Parker studied both Chemistry and Physics at Harvey Mudd College when he received the Mercury Seven scholarship. Due to his work during high school to pass advanced placement courses, Leo took sophomore physics as a freshman and a junior-level course in theoretical mechanics as a sophomore. Even at this advanced level, Leo was described as "perhaps the brightest in his class in the sciences."
Originally from San Diego, Leo has worked at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, developing an Ocean Bottom Absolute Gravity Meter which was smaller and more efficient than existing designs. He published a paper in La Bulletin Geodesyque describing the analysis techniques developed in this work.
Leo's outside interests include bicycling, floor hockey, playing the clarinet, and computer simulation.
Non-Linear Thinking Leads to a Great Idea for a Mission to Mars
North Carolina State University, 1986-87, 1987-88, and 1988-89
Matt Young received his Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1995. He is currently residing in Raleigh, North Carolina. Over the years, Matt has alternated semesters at school with seasons of employment at the U. S. Space and Rocket Center, in Huntsville, Alabama - an opportunity he gratefully acknowledges as stemming directly from his first Mercury Seven Scholarship in 1986. Matt feels that the work experience he obtained in Huntsville, combined with the exposure to space hardware and history, gave him the necessary background to make a unique design proposal during the final year of his studies.
As an early conceptual exercise, each member of Matt's senior spacecraft design class was given the individual task of maximizing the amount of soil to be returned for study from a sample retrieval mission to Mars. Their recommendations were to be based upon an actual scenario considered by NASA, one which required a pair of Delta II launch vehicles whose two payloads would join in Earth orbit before making their journey to Mars. Matt's approach was to redefine the problem with the use of aerobraking methods in place of chemical propulsion systems at all possible stages throughout the mission. He was then able to demonstrate that the reduced need for propellant would permit the two payloads to becarried by a single Delta II rocket, instead of the original two. Consequently, there was no longer a need for any complex rendezvous procedures, or the associated docking mechanisms and sample-transfer equipment. The spacecraft components could then be rearranged to accommodate the aeroshells required for Matt's idea to work.
Intrigued by the merits of the approach, his instructor opted to make its investigation the subject of the year-long final design project for the class. Based on the team's findings, Matt's professor urged him to write a paper on the subject, for publication.
In addition to this impressive senior project, Matt has worked at the U.S. Space Academy and Space Camp for several years in Huntsville, Alabama. He has worked on an air freight drop-box design which is used in the release of cargo from an aircraft in flight and a full-scale mockup of the HL-20 Personnel Launch System for NASA at the Mars Mission Research Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Outside the academic world, Matt enjoys distance running, scuba, model rocketry, astronomy, and aviation history. He is an avid chess player, freelance technical illustrator, and Special Olympics volunteer. In addition, Matt enjoys radio-control submarine construction and 1960's "muscle car" restoration and modification.
Scholar Works Around-the-Clock and Still is Awakened by the New Addition to His Family
Georgia Tech, 1986-87
Preston Bates was one of the first-year recipients of the Mercury Seven Scholarship. He is living in Marietta, Georgia, where he works for Lockheed on the F-22 program. Preston is on-call 24 hours per day, including weekends.
It's likely that Preston's co-workers may find him awake at unusual hours, though. You see, Preston and his wife were recently blessed with their second child in early 1996. Reportedly, the new baby slept through the night for the first time, recently. The Bates' first child is 4 vears old.
Up, Up, and Away
Texas A&M University, 1990-91 and 1991-92
Debora Grant has a very interesting job at a company called Winzen Engineering in San Antonio, Texas. She does research and development of scientific research balloons as well as other engineering applications. Winzen has been involved in manned and unmanned stratosphere balloon flights since the 1950's. At the latest report, Debora's most recent project investigated the dynamics of a tethered balloon flight. She has also been involved with a new superpressure balloon design which has a patent pending.
Debora has co-authored at least two publications. One discussed the automated heat seal flow detector which was developed to aid in the detection of balloon flaws generated during production. The second describes a feasibility study of using a "curtain" to control the gas temperatures within a balloon.
Outside of work, Debora and her husband are avid hockey fans and follow the San Antonio Iguanas in the Central Hockey League. She is also involved with the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics on both the local and national level.
Scholar Goes to Work for NASA in Houston
Purdue University, 1990-91 and 1991-92
Scott Tamblyn is working for NASA at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. In order to achieve this goal, Scott finished a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at Purdue.
Scott had co-oped for Johnson Space Center during college. At the Aeroscience Branch, he completed a technical video tape presentation of STS-28 ascent wing pressure flight data. The task involved generating a color-contoured computer animation of space shuttle Columbia's ascent wing pressures in real time. He also worked to verify a preliminary aerodynamic analysis code which he expected to use later for analyzing possible heat shield configurations for the Assured Crew Return Vehicle which would serve as a lifeboat for the space station. Scott also worked on the simulation and testing of the hydrodynamics of the vehicle upon splashdown in the ocean. Finally, he provide engineering support to the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor computational fluid dynamics group. This Motor is a modified version of the shuttle program's existing solid rocket boosters.
Scott writes that "It has been a great personal honor to be named a Mercury Seven Scholar for two years. I cannot say thanks enough!"
When Her Ph.D. Advisor Moved, She Went Along and Helped Relocate an Entire Lab
Harvey Mudd College, 1990-91
Jennifer Galvin received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at Harvey Mudd College in May 1991 and expects to complete her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois this Spring. She's living in Georgia, though. Due to relocation of her research professor, she is completing her research project at Georgia Tech, although her degree will be awarded by the University of Illinois.
Jennifer is studying photochronic molecules as triggers to change the alignment of liquid crystals. She has received a National Science Foundation predoctoral fellowship.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys hiking, cooking, quilting, and swimming.
Combustion Characterization
Miami University, 1990-91
Chuck Mueller completed bachelor's degrees in Aeronautics and Engineering Physics at Miami University in May 1991. He then went on to the University of Michigan where he received a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering in May 1993 and expects to complete a Ph.D. in late 1995/early 1996.
Chuck is a graduate student research fellow in the Department of Aerospace Engineering. His research examines the effects of turbulence-induced strain and curvature on premixed gaseous flames. For example, when a turbulent eddy and a flame interact, the swirling velocity field of the eddy causes the flame to become wrinkled. At the same time, velocity gradients tangential to the flame cause the flame to be pulled apart or compressed (i.e.: strained). Wrinkling and strain affect pollutant formation, heat release rate, and overall combustion efficiency. Understanding these effects is critically important to the design of cleaner burning, more efficient engines of the future.
Chuck volunteers with a non-profit organization called The Greening of Detroit. Their mission is to provide trees, logistical support, and volunteers to inner-city community groups who want to clean up and beautify their neighborhoods. Projects include transforming vacant lots into neighborhood parks and instruction/manpower involved with planting and caring for community trees.
Chuck "would like to thank all the astronauts and their families for the kindness and support they've given me over the years. Without their help, I can honestly say that I wouldn't be where I am today, and I sincerely hope that they will accept my deepest gratitude."
Working and Studying
Washington University, 1988-89 and 1989-90
Darren Klug joined Southwestern Bell Telephone Company after graduating from Washington University. The first position in which he worked offered a rare and unique opportunity to pursue a master's degree in Information Networking at Carnegie Mellon with company support. The Information Networking Institute at Carnegie Mellon draws on faculty from the Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Graduate School of Industrial Administration to implement a rigorous 14-month program to prepare students for careers in the telecommunications industry. He relies upon the knowledge gained from this program daily as he works with his counterparts at Southwestern Bell to implement new products and services.
On a more personal note, Darren got married in August 1992. At the latest report, his wife was in the Medical Scientist Training Program at Washington University Medical School. After completing her M. D. and Ph.D., she was planning to become a research scientist in the neuroscience field.
Mercury Scholar is on His Way to England
North Carolina State University, 1995-96
John O'Quinn received the Mercury Seven scholarship during the 1995-96 academic year, and he has just completed triple bachelor's degrees in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Multidisciplinary Studies. During his senior year, he served as Student Body President of North Carolina State University.
John participated in the Washington Internship for Students of Engineering at George Washington University during the summer of 1995. In that program, he studied Superfund reform in the 104th Congress under the guidance of the National Society of Professional Engineers and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
Recently, John accepted a Fulbright Fellowship and will study at Oxford University during the 1996-97 academic year. He was one of the valedictorians at North Carolina State and also was a recipient of a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship and Phi Kappa Phi National Fellowship.
Crystal Growth at Los Alamos
North Carolina A&T State University, 1995-96
Marcell Buford is currently a Mercury Scholar working on a bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics at North Carolina A&T State University. He participated in research activities at the Los Alamos National Laboratories during the summer of 1995. In that position, he was responsible for growing crystals of samarium hexaboride at very low temperatures and in extremely high magnetic fields. He sought to improve the quality of crystals for the purpose of providing a clearer picture of their intrinsic physical properties.
Destination: Space Shuttle Commander
Georgia Tech, 1992-93, 1993-94, and 1994-95
Greg Book received the Mercury Seven scholarship three years in a row while studying for a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech. In Greg's own words, "It means so much to me to receive recognition [the Mercury Seven scholarship] from such modern day explorers, pioneers, and heroes as the Mercury Seven astronauts."
Greg has set a goal for his life to become an astronaut. He wants to command a space shuttle mission.
According to the Assistant to the Director of the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech, Greg is "one of our best."
High Temperature Superconductors
University of Central Florida, 1989-90 and 1990-91
Tony DeLia has completed three degrees so far: Bachelor's degrees in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Central Florida and a master's degree in Physics from Florida State University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. and is a graduate researcher in the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, Florida.
Currently, Tony is using exact and numerical computational methods to study models of high temperature superconductors, heavy fermion systems, and some exotic low dimensional materials. He has previously been a Florida State University Teaching Fellow and was an invited student speaker at the 7th International Conference of Physics Students in Lisbon, Portugal.
Outside of school, Tony is interested in aviation and has begun Ground School with the Florida State University Aviation Club. He also has a daughter, named Victoria (Tori, for short).
Career Beginnings
North Carolina State University, 1994-95
DeLynn Atkinson has completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering at North Carolina State University She is now a Process Engineer with the Paper Products Division of Procter & Gamble Company in Albany,Georgia.
At last report, DeLynn planned to study abroad in Australia during the summer of 1995. The program concentrates on marine biology, studying off the Great Barrier Reef, She also planned to experience the Australian Outback and tour Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. DeLynn had plans to begin studying for a master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering at Georgia Tech.
Environmental Cleanup
Georgia Tech, 1986-87
Ken Still received a Mercury Seven Scholarship during the first year it was awarded. Now, he works at Clean Environment Equipment in Norcross, Georgia. Ken received a degree in Civil Engineering in March 1986, followed by a Master's degree in the same subject in September 1987.
Ken is a registered professional engineer in the state of Georgia. At last report, he was the southeast regional manager at his company, which designs and manufactures groundwater cleanup equipment.
Ken has been married since 1987. He and his wife, Carolyn, are proud parents of two children: Mary Helen and David Bentley.
Technical Leadership in Aerospace Engineering
Purdue University, 1994-95
Virginia Anthes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the school of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue. She is employed at GE Aircraft Engines in Cincinnati, Ohio where she participates in the GE Technical Leadership Program (TLP). As part of this program, Virginia will be working on a master's degree at the University of Cincinnati and through classes at GE.
Virginia has published a paper entitled A Model for Predicting Impingement Frequencies of Sonic and Supersonic jets. Outside of work, she plays both acoustic and electric guitar.
Taking Initiative to Gain Valuable Experience
Washington University, 1990-91, 1991-92, and 1992-93
Kevin Ruland received three Mercury Seven scholarships during his academic career at Washington University. Kevin had bachelor's degrees in Mathematics and Systems Engineering and had been pursuing a Ph.D. in Systems Science at our latest report.
Kevin maintained an outstanding grade point average but was also involved in extra-curricular activities. He undertook to become the System Manager of the Optimization and Semantic Control Laboratory's computer system, consisting of several SUN workstations and Macintosh and IBM personal computers. In addition, he was involved in several aspects of aerospace research.