The Dr. Nancy Squires Memorial Scholarship Program is currently closed

Applications are due June 9, 2023

 

Dr. Nancy Squires was a senior instructor in the School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering at Oregon State University (OSU) where she taught for 15 years. She also taught courses in the OSU Honors College. Prior to coming to OSU in 2004, Dr. Squires retired from a career as an engineer in the aerospace industry. Dr. Squires was instrumental in establishing the OSU chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) student club as well as playing a vital role in developing the aerospace engineering minor at OSU. Dr. Squires passed away unexpectedly on June 19, 2020.

Dr. Squires had a passion for engineering and aerospace that ran deep, and that passion served to inspire, motivate, and pave the way for success for every student who crossed her path. Having experienced the struggles of being a woman in aerospace, Dr. Squires understood the challenges the industry faces. She was a champion of women and underrepresented students in engineering, her positive outlook lifting students up along the way. Dr. Squires had a gentle soul, full of calm and compassion and was a bright light to so many. She challenged students but always believed in them even when they doubted themselves. She worked side-by-side with students to determine a path forward to achieve their goals and help them be the best version of themselves, even in the face of adversity. Never short on time for her students, Dr. Squires gave endlessly to mentoring and coaching the student rocketry teams, working through their challenges and celebrating their successes along the way. She was their biggest motivator and their most loyal supporter.

Oregon Space Grant is grateful for Dr. Squires’ many contributions to STEM education and honors her commitment to building the next generation of inspired and passionate aerospace engineers. She leaves behind a legacy that continues to live and grow and inspire. Ad astra Dr. Squires.

OSGC is pleased to provide students attending our member colleges and universities an opportunity to apply for a one-year scholarship award to support their academic study in STEM, STEM education, and non-STEM majors with a connection to aerospace and space science. These awards will also serve to recognize a student’s achievements in these fields. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW                                                                                                              

OSGC offers the following three scholarship programs:

  • Community College Scholarships
  • Undergraduate Scholarships
  • STEM Pre-Service Educator Scholarships (MAT or MS students)

Awards will be made in the following six categories:

  • STEM Education: Preparation to be a classroom teacher or an informal educator in a STEM field
  • Life Science: The study of living organisms—includes biology, anatomy, astrobiology, zoology, botany, microbiology, physiology, biochemistry, neuroscience, and other related areas
  • Physical Science: The study of natural sciences dealing with non-living organisms—includes physics, astronomy, chemistry, earth science, geology, space science, material science, etc.
  • Mathematics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Non-STEM field with a significant connection to aerospace or space science (community college and undergraduate programs only)

Scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled at OSGC affiliate institutions in eligible fields of study. In addition to the traditional aerospace-related fields of engineering and mathematics, we encourage those from diverse fields of study to apply. “NASA is more than astronauts. We are scientists, engineers, IT specialists, human resources specialists, accountants, writers, technicians, and many other kinds of people working together to break barriers to achieve the seemingly impossible.” (Careers at NASA 2023) Go to https://www.nasa.gov/careers for information on careers at NASA. We encourage students to contact OSGC if they have questions about whether their field of study is suitable.

AWARD FUNDS                                                                                                                             

For the 2023-24 Academic Year*, programs are funded at the following levels:

  • Community College Scholarships - $1,000 awards
  • Undergraduate Scholarships - $3,000 awards
  • STEM Pre-Service Educator Scholarships - $5,000 awards

Scholarship descriptions and eligibility requirements vary by program.

See the 2023-24 Dr. Nancy Squires Memorial Scholarship Program Guide for complete program information including important dates and links to apply.

Applications are due June 9, 2023