NSF funding awarded for REU site: Launching aerospace undergrads into the next chapter

Award Winner: Sara Nelson

Award Title: REU Site: Launching Aerospace’s Undergraduates into the Next Chapter – Space Technology (LAUNCH-SPACE)

Award Category: Project Funding Award

Award Description: Funding was secured for an REU Site named Launching Aerospace’s Undergraduate Students into the Next Chapter – Space Technology (LAUNCH-SPACE). This program aims to increase the number of undergraduate students pursuing graduate degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.) in aerospace engineering, focusing on space technology research. The site will operate for 10 weeks over three summers and has four main objectives for its students.

• Offer students a hands-on and cutting-edge research experience focused on space technology projects.
• Familiarize students with a broad range of space research initiatives and industry professionals to expand their understanding of the field.
• Equip students with skills for independent research and professionalism, valuable for engineering graduate studies and collaborative projects.
• Foster a network of mentors and peers for ongoing advice, encouragement, and support throughout their academic journey.

Co-PIs: Ossama Abdelkhalik

Funding Source: National Science Foundation

Award Amount: $558,000