Zhiyuan Chen, a junior in biochemistry and biological engineering, is one of three Purdue University students named by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) as 2025 Astronaut Scholars — one of the nation’s most prestigious merit-based scholarships for undergraduates in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Chen's scholarship was sponsored by Dick and Kathleen Covey and the CoveyLove Legacy Fund).
The other Purdue awardees are: Arjun Gupte, a senior in the College of Engineering majoring in computer engineering and Ishaan Singh, a junior in the College of Science and the John Martinson Honors College majoring in applied physics honors and biochemistry.
The three Purdue scholars are among 74 students selected nationwide from 51 colleges and universities to receive up to $15,000 in financial support. Scholars also benefit from access to mentorship, networking opportunities with astronauts and industry leaders, and participation in the ASF Innovators Symposium & Gala in Houston this August.
Purdue has been receiving scholarships annually as a member of the ASF since 1987, reflecting the university’s long-standing excellence in STEM education and leadership in space exploration.
Founded in 1984 by the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts, the ASF supports the United States’ continued leadership in science and technology by awarding scholarships to the most promising college students in STEM majors. ASF’s mission is not limited to careers in aerospace — it supports students across a wide range of STEM fields. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $10 million to over 900 exceptional scholars at select institutions nationwide.
More information about the ASF is available at astronautscholarship.org.
Source: John Martinson Honors College, Teaching and Learning Communications