Aggie Recipient Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Named — The Only One in Utah

Gavin Morgenegg is the 2023 Aggie recipient of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.

“I am so grateful for this award and the opportunities it has brought me,” said Morgenegg. “I am really looking forward to talking to those in the network and getting involved in the world of aerospace.”

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to aiding the United States in retaining its world leadership in technology and innovation. The program was founded by the original Mercury 7 Astronauts with a mission to support university students in STEM fields. USU is the first university in Utah to be a part of this scholarship program and the 45th university overall to receive this honor. Morgenegg is the second student at USU and in the state of Utah to receive the scholarship.

In addition to financial support, recipients also receive a mentor, access to a wide network of aerospace experts and the chance to attend the foundation’s Innovators Gala in Orlando. Morgenegg’s mentor is Kent Rominger, a retired NASA astronaut and former NASA Chief of the Astronaut Office at the Johnson Space Center in Texas.

Morgenegg plan to attend graduate school after graduation and hopes to pursue a career in orbital launch vehicles and propulsion technology. He is most excited about the opportunities he now has to meet a wide variety of people from all over the country.

“I’ve had the chance to talk to some really great people,” Morgenegg said. “None of this would be possible without the support from my professors, friends and family. I encourage anyone interested in the field of aerospace engineering to apply for this scholarship and take advantage of all the great things it has to offer.”

More information, including current application information, can be found at https://astronautscholarship.org/.

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Writer: Sydney Dahle, sydney.dahle@usu.edu, 435-797-7512

Contact: Gavin Morgenegg, gavin.morgenegg@usu.edu