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

Carolyn Foley leads a Great Lakes focus group in 2011; Foley on a boat with a University of Michigan student
FNR Remembers Carolyn Foley, Names Great Lakes Research Award

Carolyn Foley, a long-time member of the Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) and...

Read More
Ag Barometer
Farmer sentiment drops as concerns about input costs increase

In the September Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer survey, 52% of respondents...

Read More
Distinguished Ag Alumni Group 2026
College of Agriculture adds 9 to ranks of Distinguished Ag Alumni

Purdue University’s College of Agriculture recognized nine alumni at the Distinguished...

Read More
An image of the Learn-N-Burn trailer in front of a forested area at Martell Forest
Learn-N-Burn Trailer To Support Indiana Landowners

Keep your eyes peeled across Indiana for the newly minted Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources...

Read More
Mingyu Zhao
Mingyu Zhao - Graduate Ag Research Spotlight

“Being at Purdue has changed my thinking entirely,” says Mingyu Zhao, a third-year...

Read More
Madi Medley holds a field mouse she found during a break from bush hogging the prairie
FNR Field Report: Madi Medley

Senior wildlife major Madison Medley spent her summer as a natural resource intern with Hamilton...

Read More