The Astronaut Scholarship

Three Purdue students have earned the prestigious Astronaut Scholarship for their remarkable efforts and achievements through hours of research and coursework while in undergraduate studies. As Astronaut Scholars, they will build relationships with scholarship alumni and astronauts, as well as pioneers and leaders in their fields of study. In addition, they recently had a unique opportunity to network with these and fellow scholars across the country at the annual Innovator’s Gala held in August.

Shelby Sliger, a senior biochemistry major in Purdue’s College of Agriculture and a member of the John Martinson Honors College, discovered a passion for research during her high school participation in Science Olympiad. This early experience has driven her to excel in her studies and make significant contributions in her field. This passion only grew stronger as she engaged in undergraduate research under the mentorship of Joe Ogas, Purdue professor of biochemistry. She is a receipent of The 2024 Astronaut Scholarship.

The Astronaut Scholarship is awarded by The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), an organization created in 1984 by the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts. The prestigious scholarship is known nationwide for being among the highest merit-based monetary scholarships awarded to undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering and math. The scholarships are awarded to students in their junior and senior year of college. The ASF has awarded an Astronaut Scholarship to a Purdue student since 1987.

Featured Stories

From left, lab members Jieun Woo, Dekun Cheng and professor Weicang Wang look under the sterile hood of their lab at a petri dish.
How do PFAS affect gut health?

PFAS have been shown to increase risks to immunity, reproductive health, developmental delays,...

Read More
Senior Isaac Johnson sprays invasive species, conducts midstory control and stands next to a tree he felled during his summer as a Forestry and Natural Resources intern.
FNR Field Report: Isaac Johnson

Senior Isaac Johnson, a forestry major with a concentration in forest management, worked as an...

Read More
Alisa Tilson in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago
Making the world a better, and more walkable, place

Alisa Tilson (BS '96, Natural Resources and Environmental Science) works for CDOT’s...

Read More
honeycomb with honey
From Hive to Honey

Behind every jar of honey is a fascinating story of pollination, research, and hands-on learning....

Read More
man standing building lobby
Global economic modeling expert grows research program

Maksym Chepeliev, a leading international scholar recognized prominently for his work in...

Read More
Man stands in front of harvested field and grain bins
Inspired by opportunity, driven by purpose

In recent years attendees at Purdue Agriculture alumni, donor, and faculty and staff events have...

Read More