Sydney Hummel has been named to the 2023 class of Astronaut Scholars by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF). Sydney will be honored along with more than 60 other Astronaut Scholars throughout the U.S. at ASF’s Innovators Week & Gala on Aug. 16-19, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. 

 

"I am incredibly honored and excited to be selected as a recipient of the 2023 Astronaut Scholarship. This scholarship will help fund my tuition for senior year and support me in my future research endeavors," said Sydney. "I am thankful for the mentorship, academic rigor, and opportunities Purdue has provided, especially Dr. Kim's support and leadership of Purdue Chemical Engineering. I look forward to continuing my academic career and pursuing research in graduate school."

 

Sydney Hummel is entering her senior year at Purdue University, studying Chemical Engineering. She is an undergraduate research assistant with the Xiaoping Bao Lab, specifically studying engineered human stem cells for targeted cancer therapy and enhanced biological function of cell line to mimic immune cell migration and bacterial uptake abilities. 

 

The Astronaut Scholarship is offered to junior and senior-year college students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The process begins with nominations from Purdue University professors or faculty members. Upon selection, each student receives a scholarship of up to $15,000 and is officially named an Astronaut Scholar. Other benefits include: networking and mentoring opportunities with astronauts, alumni and industry leaders; participation in the Michael Collins Family Professional Development Program; and a paid trip to attend ASF’s Innovators Week & Gala featuring the Neil Armstrong™ Award of Excellence, which provides an opportunity for the Astronaut Scholars to present their research at a technical conference.

 

Created in 1984, ASF awarded its first seven scholarships in honor of its founding members, the Mercury 7 Astronauts — Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Walter Schirra, Alan Shepard, and Deke Slayton. Each founding member sponsored a $1,000 scholarship and began to fundraise to support future scholarships by donating proceeds from their speaking engagements. The incredible efforts of these legends have shaped ASF’s mission to support and reward exceptional college students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. Over the past 39 years, more than $8.3 million has been awarded to nearly 800 students.  

 

"The 2023 Class of Astronaut Scholars is truly exceptional and embodies the passion, dedication and innovation that will propel us into the future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics," said Caroline Schumacher, ASF’s president and CEO. "We are excited to support these outstanding individuals in their endeavors and cannot wait to witness their achievements as the game-changers of tomorrow."

 

About Astronaut Scholarship Foundation:

 

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) is an Orlando-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit commemorating the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts. Founded by the six surviving Mercury 7 Astronauts in 1984, ASF partners with industry leaders, universities, and individual donors to achieve its mission of supporting and rewarding exceptional college students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. 

 

To learn more about the 2023 Astronaut Scholarship Foundation recipients, visit https://astronautscholarship.org/scholars.html