Adrian Akerson Majoring In Space Physics... AND Aerospace Engineering

Adrian Akerson, a senior with a double major in Space Physics and Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, was recently awarded the prestigious Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Scholarship, given annually in honor of America's rocket pioneer.

A $10,000 grant and a plaque were presented to Akerson by the Board of Governors of the National Space Club at the 51st Annual Goddard Memorial Dinner on March 7 in Washington, DC. The citation on the award recognizes Akerson (shown at right) for his "commitment to excellence and his desire to explore and develop exotic propulsion and energy technologies for the spacecraft of the future."

"The guest speaker at the event was Neil Armstrong, and other dignitaries, such as NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, were also present," said Dr. Darrel Smith, Embry-Riddle Physics chair. "They took the opportunity to talk with Adrian and congratulate him on his award. Although other awards were presented at the dinner, Adrian's award was the most prestigious."

After completing his bachelor degree programs, the 23-year-old from Prescott Valley, AZ plans to specialize in the development of exotic propulsion and energy technologies as a graduate student, pursuing a master's degree in Astronautics and a doctorate in Physics.

Akerson said he appreciates the guidance and numerous contributions he's received from Embry-Riddle faculty. "This honor and award wouldn't have been possible without them," Akerson said. "In the Physics Department I'd like to thank Dr. Darrel Smith, Dr. Phillip Anz-Meador, Dr. Andri Gretarsson, Dr. Brian Rachford, and Dr. Nicholas Devereux. I'd also like to thank my McNair Scholars mentor, Dr. Ronald Madler of the Aerospace Engineering Department."

The Goddard Memorial Scholarship was established to stimulate the interest of talented students in the opportunity to advance scientific knowledge through space research and exploration. A grant of $10,000 is made to the university of the recipient's choice for use by the student, who must be in at least his or her junior year and have definite plans to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in science or engineering during the interval of the scholarship.

"My goal is to join the industry as a research scientist/engineer," Akerson said. "I want to contribute to the development of technologies that incorporate recent discoveries in science to create an efficient, multipurpose, high-endurance, low-hazard, and reusable interplanetary spacecraft."

FMI: www.spaceclub.org, www.embryriddle.edu