WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) as we speak named the 2025 Distinguished Undergraduate Award winners—distinctive college students acknowledged for his or her expertise and potential in advancing area science, engineering, and know-how.
The USRA Distinguished Undergraduate Awards honor college students who exemplify educational excellence, innovation, and management. Beyond their spectacular scholarly achievements, this yr’s honorees have demonstrated exceptional resilience and perseverance—overcoming private challenges to pursue their ardour for discovery and contribute meaningfully to the development of STEM disciplines.
“The recipients of this award inspire us all with their dedication and accomplishments thus far,” stated Dr. Elsayed Talaat, President and CEO of USRA. “By celebrating their achievements, we look ahead to the impact they will have on their fields and the advancements they will bring to science and technology. Congratulations to the 2025 Award winners.”
USRA proudly celebrates the following award-winning college students:
- Leah Balakrishnan, Stanford University, Thomas R. McGetchin Memorial Scholarship, which honors McGetchin’s contributions to planetary science.
- Isabelle Connor, University of California, Santa Cruz, James B. Willett Education Memorial Scholarship, which honors Willett’s contribution to astrophysics.
- Catherine Franco, Auburn University, John R. Sevier Memorial Scholarship, which honors Sevier’s contributions to aerospace engineering.
- Aidan Guerra, University of California, Davis, Frederick A. Tarantino Memorial Scholarship, which honors Tarantino’s contributions to USRA and his dedication to training.
- Bradley Hutchinson, Indiana University, Judith L. Pipher Memorial Scholarship, which honors Pipher’s contributions to infrared astronomy.
- Eirik Mulder, Auburn University, John R. Sevier Memorial Scholarship, which honors Sevier’s contributions to aerospace engineering.
- Olivia Nippe-Jeakins, George Washington University, James B. Willett Education Memorial Scholarship, which honors Willett’s contribution to astrophysics.
Honorable Mentions:
- Nico Bers, Northwestern University
- Shreya Chandra, University of California, Davis
- Raven Cilley, University of Michigan
- Marylin Loritsch, University of California, San Diego
- Tyrston Schmitt, Georgia Institute of Technology
Selected via a rigorous and aggressive course of, these college students are acknowledged not just for their educational achievements but additionally for his or her progressive problem-solving abilities, management qualities, and dedication to fostering variety and inclusion in science and engineering.
This yr, USRA obtained 170 functions from over 71 universities, a considerable enhance from final yr.
Representatives from the USRA Council of Institutions, together with college from USRA member universities, rigorously reviewed all functions. Their suggestions have been then shared with the USRA President for remaining choice.
Students are evaluated based mostly on acknowledged profession targets and accomplishments, management qualities, outreach to their communities, and strengths akin to initiative, creativity, and perseverance. Recommendation letters from their professors and intern advisors additionally play a major position in the evaluation.
The 2025 Distinguished Undergraduate Award recipients symbolize the subsequent technology of pioneers who will assist form the way forward for scientific discovery and exploration. With their creativity, braveness, and dedication to exploration, they symbolize the better of what’s to return — the future innovators who will propel humanity’s understanding of the universe ahead.
Additional Information:
Profiles of those winners will probably be out there with these of previous winners on the USRA web site (https://www.usra.edu/usra-scholarship-alumni)
For extra info on the awards, please go to https://www.usra.edu/educational-activities-and-opportunities/usra-distinguished-undergraduate-awards.
About USRA
USRA operates scientific institutes and amenities and conducts different main analysis and academic packages. It engages the college neighborhood of 121 universities, employs in-house scientific management, provides progressive analysis and improvement, and venture administration experience. Founded in 1969, underneath the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences at the request of the U.S. Government, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is a nonprofit company chartered to advance space-related science, know-how, and engineering. More details about USRA is on the market at www.usra.edu.
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SOURCE Universities Space Research Association
