Undergraduate Award Program: STudent Academic Research Review (STARR)

Oregon Space Grant is pleased to announce the 2020-21 STudent Academic Research Review (STARR) Award Program. STARR is open to undergraduate students attending OSGC Community College and 4-Year Member Institutions. Applications Due: June 19, 2020 | The STARR Program is CLOSED.

Note: The STARR Program replaces the OSGC Undergraduate Scholarship and Fellowship Program.

Congratulations to the 2020-21 STARR Award Recipients!

Community College STARRS:

Stella Lawson | LBCC | The Use of Non-Intrusive, Wearable Technology to Evaluate Stress During Long-Duration Space Flight
Troy Liggett | SOCC | Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG); Its Mechanisms and Applications for the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover
Matthew Lucas | LBCC | Quantum Computing at NASA’s Quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (QuAIL)
Teresa Nguyen | PCC Cascade | Introductory Technology on Liquid Fuel Engines for Aerospace and Rocketry Students
Ryne Shelton | PCC Southeast | Research Radar Technology and Equipment, Specifically the Satellite Used for NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Mission

4-Year Institution STARRs:

Terell Cathey | OIT | Advanced Power Generation, Storage, and Transfer for Deep Space Missions
Emilio Gizzi | PSU | Design of a Regeneratively Cooled Liquid-Fuel Rocket Engine
Adrian Jimenez | PSU | Isotope Hydrology
David Lay | PSU | Design of Active Maximum Power Point Trackers (MPPTs) in Regards to Aerospace Grade Solar Arrays
Emma Levy | PSU | Analysis of the Methods and Environmental Impacts of Removing Space Debris from Low Earth Orbit
Alexander Mote | OSU | Studying and Improving the Simulation Systems Used in Preparing for NASA Missions, Specifically Applied to the Physical Science Research Programs
Jean-Pierre Pillay | PSU | High Altitude Recovery Systems for Aerospace Vehicles
Joseph Saxon | OIT | Space Tech Relevant to Space Debris Detection and Monitoring
Amber Sleeis | GFU | The Lucy Mission; the first space mission to observe and analyze the Trojan Asteroids of Jupiter
Catherine Spivey | PSU | Design Optimization of an Isogrid or Orthogrid Tank for Small, Low-Cost Launch Vehicles
Casey Swanson | OSU | Creating an aerobic compost tea, fed through a hydroponic system, to sustain plant growth in a small, controlled environmental habitat
Nadia Wallace | PSU | Heart Health and Space Travel
Kassondra Watson | PSU | How Well Do Current Technologies Differentiate Between Main Phytoplankton Groups and How Will Differentiation Be Improved with NASA’s PACE Mission?
Zackary Williams | PU | Aligning a STEM Classroom to Fit NASA’s Priorities and How NASA’s Current Missions Can Be Incorporated into the Classroom; Linking Current NASA Research into Science and Mathematics Lesson Plans

INTRODUCTION TO THE STARR PROGRAM

Download the 2020-21 STudent Academic Research Review (STARR) Award Program Guide for complete program details and requirements

A member of National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (Space Grant), the Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) supports the agency’s objectives of fostering and encouraging careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and STEM education to develop a skilled, high-performing, capable, and diverse next-generation workforce. Access to experiential learning and research opportunities are crucial to enhancing a student’s academic experience in order to meet the needs of NASA and the nation. OSGC programs are directed towards undergraduate students in STEM fields and designed to complement a student’s academic career experience. In support of the national priority to increase diversity in STEM fields, women, individuals from underrepresented groups in the STEM fields, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to participate.

The Oregon Space Grant STudent Academic Research Review (STARR) Award Program is directed towards STEM and STEM Education students attending our member community colleges and four-year universities who are interested in space science/aerospace-related careers. The STARR Program provides students an opportunity to apply for a one-year award to enhance and supplement their academic study in STEM and STEM education. These awards also serve to recognize student’s achievements in these fields.

STARR awards are open to students in a broad range of STEM disciplines, including aerospace-related engineering and mathematics, as well as earth sciences, chemistry, biology, food science, and computer science relating to NASA’s vision and mission. Students are encouraged to contact OSGC with questions about field of study eligibility.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

STARR, a research review program, is a stepping stone opportunity designed to help students have a more comprehensive understanding of the research process and be better prepared for future hands-on research opportunities such as NASA internships, Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs), or senior capstone projects. Applicants select a topic to review that involves current NASA-related research. Selected topics must align with one or more of NASA’s Mission Directorate’s top priorities or speak to the challenges facing the execution of current missions. Topics should be specific and narrow in scope.

If awarded, STARR recipients will thoroughly review the selected research topic and write an original White Paper. The White Paper must include insight into the contributions of the research being conducted and demonstrate interdisciplinary applications of the research and how it might potentially extend to other areas of science or engineering relating to NASA’s priorities and missions. Students will not be conducting hands-on research and will not need access to onsite resources.

STARR recipients must identify a faculty member at their respective institution who has expertise relevant to the research being reviewed and who agrees to serve as Faculty Advisor on the project. The advisor must be willing to review the student’s work and provide guidance throughout the process; however, White Papers must ultimately be the original work of the student. Selected projects and advisors must be approved by the OSGC Affiliate Representative from the student’s respective institution. In addition to the White Paper, students attending 4-year institutions will be required to submit a recorded presentation or present at an in-person symposium if circumstances allow.

AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Award Funds

A total of $85,000 will be awarded in the 2020-21 STARR Program, contingent upon NASA funding. STARR awards will be competitively awarded to students enrolled at an OSGC affiliated community college or 4-year institution. Awards will be made in two disbursements; the first in October 2020, the second in May 2021 upon completion of deliverables. Awards are compensation of a student’s time; supplies/equipment purchases are prohibited. Terms and conditions vary by type of institution.

Community College Students

White Paper (minimum 6 pages, excluding references and graphs/charts) required
$3K per student award

4-Year Institution Students

White Paper (minimum 8 pages, excluding references and graphs/charts) required
Recorded presentation required
$5K per student award

Duration

STARR awards are a one-time, non-renewable, academic year-long award.

Number of Awards to be Funded

Community College - 10 STARR awards
- CC Online Application
4-Year University - 11 STARR awards
- 4-Year Online Application

Equal Opportunity/Diversity

Students from underserved groups and from groups underrepresented in STEM fields, women, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. OSGC seeks to recruit applicants from a variety of higher-education member institutions and disciplines.

DATES AND DEADLINES

Application Deadline: June 19, 2020
Letter of Recommendation Due: June 26, 2020
Award Selections: August 2020
Award Disbursements: October 2020 and May 2021
Outline Due: April 9, 2021
White Paper/Presentation Due: May 7, 2021

Refer to the 2020-21 STudent Academic Research Review (STARR) Award Program Guide for complete program details and requirements.

Direct questions to Catherine Lanier, OSGC Associate Director, via email at catherine.lanier@oregonstate.edu or by phone at 541.737.2414.

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The 2019-20 Oregon Space Grant Consortium Scholarship and Fellowship Program is CLOSED

Click here for the list of 2019-20 award recipients

The Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) is pleased to provide students attending our member colleges and universities opportunities to apply for scholarship and fellowship awards that support their academic goals and recognize their achievements. Opportunities are open to new and continuing students in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and STEM education disciplines. The scholarship and fellowship program supports the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) objectives of fostering and encouraging career goals in STEM and STEM education. Women and underrepresented minorities in the STEM fields are strongly encouraged to apply.

Several unique scholarship and fellowship opportunities exist catering to different degree programs, career goals, and institution types. Details regarding each of these opportunities are found in the Scholarship and Fellowship Guide. Please read the guide carefully for eligibility requirements, application instructions, and links to the online application system.

Scholarships and fellowships are awarded through a competitive process. Note: Students receiving awards in past competitions may apply and receive awards for subsequent competitions.

A total of $75,000 will be awarded in the 2019-20 OSGC Scholarship/Fellowship Program. Scholarships and fellowships are a one-year award, paid in two disbursements over the 2019-20 academic year. Awards for the 2019-20 Academic Year will be made in the following categories:

OSGC Community College Scholarships - $1,000: Up to fifteen (15) awards will be offered. Online Application
OSGC Undergraduate Scholarships - $3,000: Up to fifteen (15) awards will be offered. Online Application
OSGC Undergraduate Research Fellowships - $5,000: Up to three (3) awards will be offered. Online Application

Dates | Deadlines

Application Deadline: May 24, 2019
Award Selections: August 2019
Award Disbursements: October 2019 and March 2020

Refer to the 2019-20 Oregon NASA Space Grant Scholarship and Fellowship Program Guide for complete description and requirements.

Questions regarding OSGC scholarship and fellowship opportunities, application procedures, or eligibility may be directed to OSGC staff by phone or email.

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The 2018-19 Oregon Space Grant Consortium Scholarship and Fellowship Program is CLOSED

Click here for a list of the 2018-19 award recipients

Scholarships and fellowships are awarded through a competitive process. Note: Students receiving awards in past competitions may apply and receive awards for subsequent competitions.

A total of $75,000 will be awarded in the 2018-19 OSGC Scholarship/Fellowship Program. Scholarships and fellowships are a one-year award, paid in two disbursements over the 2018-19 academic year. Awards for the 2018-19 Academic Year will be made in the following categories:

OSGC Community College Scholarships: Up to twenty-one (21), $1,000 awards will be offered. Online Application
OSGC Undergraduate Scholarships: Up to thirteen (13), $3,000 awards will be offered. Online Application
OSGC Undergraduate Research Fellowships: Up to three (3), $5,000 awards will be offered. Online Application

Dates | Deadlines

Application Deadline: May 25, 2018
Award Selections: August 2018
Award Disbursements: October 2018 and March 2019

Refer to the 2018-19 Oregon NASA Space Grant Scholarship and Fellowship Program Guide for complete description and requirements.

Questions regarding OSGC scholarship and fellowship opportunities, application procedures, or eligibility may be directed to OSGC staff by phone or email.

The 2017-18 Oregon Space Grant Consortium Scholarship and Fellowship Program is CLOSED

Click here for the list of 2017-18 award recipients

The Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) is pleased to provide students attending our member colleges and universities opportunities to apply for scholarship and fellowship awards that support their academic goals and recognize their achievements. Opportunities are open to new and continuing students in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and STEM education disciplines. The scholarship and fellowship program supports the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) objectives of fostering and encouraging career goals in STEM and STEM education. Individuals from under-represented groups in the STEM fields are strongly encouraged to apply.

Scholarships and fellowships are awarded through a competitive process. Note: Students receiving awards in past competitions may apply and receive awards for subsequent competitions.

Scholarships and fellowships are a one-year award, paid in two disbursements over the 2017-18 academic year. Awards for the 2017-18 Academic Year will be made in the following categories:

OSGC Community College Scholarships: Up to six, $3,000 awards will be offered. Online Application
OSGC Undergraduate Scholarships: Up to ten, $5,000 awards will be offered. Online Application
OSGC Undergraduate Research Fellowships: Up to two, $8,000 awards will be offered. Online Application

Dates | Deadlines

Application Deadline: May 26, 2017
Award Selections: August 2017
Award Disbursements: October 2017 and March 2018

Refer to the 2017-18 Oregon NASA Space Grant Scholarship and Fellowship Program Guide for complete description and requirements.

Questions regarding OSGC scholarship and fellowship opportunities, application procedures, or eligibility may be directed to OSGC staff by phone or email.

The 2016-17 Oregon Space Grant Consortium Scholarship and Fellowship Program is closed.

Click here for a list of the 2016-17 award recipients

The Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) is pleased to provide students attending our member colleges and universities opportunities to apply for scholarship and fellowship awards that support their academic goals and recognize their achievements. Opportunities are open to new and continuing students in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and STEM education disciplines. The scholarship and fellowship program supports the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) objectives of fostering and encouraging career goals in STEM and STEM education. Individuals from under-represented groups in the STEM fields are strongly encouraged to apply.

Scholarships and fellowships are awarded through a competitive process. Note: Students receiving awards in past competitions may apply and receive awards for subsequent competitions.

Scholarships and fellowships are a one-year award, paid in two disbursements over the 2016-17 academic year. Awards for the 2016-17 Academic Year will be made in the following categories:

OSGC Community College Scholarships: Up to six, $3,000 awards will be offered. Online Application
OSGC Undergraduate Scholarships: Up to ten, $5,000 awards will be offered. Online Application
OSGC Undergraduate Research Fellowships: Up to two, $8,000 awards will be offered. Online Application

Dates | Deadlines

Application Deadline: May 20, 2016
Award Selections: July 2016
Award Disbursements: October 2016 and March 2017

Refer to the 2016-17 Oregon NASA Space Grant Scholarship and Fellowship Program Guide for complete description and requirements.

Questions regarding OSGC scholarship and fellowship opportunities, application procedures, or eligibility may be directed to OSGC staff by phone or email.

The 2015-16 Community College Partnership Scholarship Program is CLOSED

Click here to see the list of 2015-16 award recipients

The Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) is pleased to provide community college students attending our member community colleges an opportunity to apply for scholarship awards that will support their academic pursuit in STEM fields relating to space studies, including physical sciences, life sciences, planetary sciences, mathematics, or engineering. These awards will also serve to recognize their achievements in these fields.

The OSGC Community College Partnership Scholarship Program supports the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) objectives of attracting and retaining more community college and technical college students into STEM-based academic programs and developing a diverse and capable next-generation workforce. Women and individuals from underrepresented groups in the STEM fields are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants must be currently enrolled at a minimum of 6 credit hours per term and in good academic standing at one of the following OSGC community college member institutions:

Community Colleges

Lane Community College (Lane)
Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC)
Portland Community College (PCC), Cascade Campus
Portland Community College (PCC), Rock Creek Campus
Portland Community College (PCC), Southeast Campus
Portland Community College (PCC), Sylvania Campus

This scholarship is designed to attract and retain community college students in STEM-based academic programs relating to space studies and to encourage matriculation to a 4-year institution in a related field. Scholarships will be competitively awarded to students enrolled at OSGC affiliated community colleges who are pursuing degrees in STEM fields relating to space studies, including physical sciences, life sciences, planetary sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Students who are dual-enrolled in a community college and a 4-year institution are eligible.

Forty (40) awards, in the amount of $5,000 per student will be offered during the 2015-16 academic year. Award distribution among institutions is as follows: Portland Community College - 27 awards, Lane Community College - 9 awards, and Linn-Benton Community College - 4 awards. These awards will be made in two disbursements, the first in the amount of $3,000 in October of 2015. The second disbursement of $2,000 in March of 2016 will be contingent upon the submission of documentation showing student progress toward their stated educational goals.

Dates | Deadlines

Application Deadline: May 22, 2015
Award Selections: July 2015
Award Disbursements: October 2015 ($3,000) and March 2016 ($2,000)

Eligibility

Scholarships are open to students who meet the following eligibility criteria:

Student is enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours per term at an affiliated community college at the time an application is submitted and throughout the 2015-2016 academic year
Student is enrolled in STEM-related coursework that relates to space studies, including physical sciences, life sciences, planetary sciences, mathematics, or engineering, at the time an application is submitted and throughout the 2015-2016 academic year
Student maintains good academic standing
Student is a U.S. Citizen

Required Application Materials

Student Essay

A one-page essay (12 pt font, single spaced) that answers the following questions:

What are your interests in the STEM fields relating to space studies and how do you see this shaping your academic career?
How do your academic interests relate to the NASA vision and align with one or more of the NASA Mission Directorates?

Letter of Recommendation

One letter of recommendation is required. The letter should specifically address your qualifications for this scholarship. During the application process you will be asked to provide contact information for your letter writer. Upon submission of your application this individual will receive an email request for the letter and instructions on how it is to be submitted. The due date for the letter of recommendation is May 22, 2015.

Academic Transcript

A PDF version of your academic transcript must be submitted with your online application. Unofficial transcripts from your college or university website are acceptable.

Online Application Website https://spacegrant.net/apps/?pk=ors2

Refer to the 2015-16 Community College Partnership Scholarship Guide for complete description and requirements.

The 2014-15 Oregon Space Grant Consortium Scholarship Program is closed.

Click here for a list of 2014-15 award recipients

Certificate of Achievement

The Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) is pleased to provide students attending our member colleges and universities opportunities to apply for scholarship awards that support their academic goals and recognize their achievements. Scholarships are open to new and continuing students in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and STEM education disciplines. The scholarship program supports the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) objectives of fostering and encouraging career goals in STEM and STEM education. Individuals from under-represented groups in the STEM fields are strongly encouraged to apply.

Several unique scholarship opportunities exist catering to different degree programs, career goals, and institution types. Details regarding each of these opportunities are found in the Scholarship Guide. Please read the Scholarship Guide carefully for eligibility requirements, application instructions, and links to the online application system. The OSGC Scholarship Guide is available for download at the bottom of this page.

Scholarships are awarded through a competitive process. Note: Students receiving awards in past competitions may apply and receive awards for subsequent competitions.

Awards for the 2014-15 Academic Year will be made in the following categories:

OSGC Community College Scholarships: Up to twelve, $5,000 awards will be offered. Online Application
OSGC 4-Year Institution Scholarships: Up to fifteen, $8,000 awards will be offered. Online Application
OSGC Undergraduate Research Scholarships:Up to five, $12,000 awards will be offered. Online Application

Questions regarding OSGC Scholarship opportunities, application procedures, or eligibility may be directed to OSGC staff by phone or email.

Progress Reports for 2014-15 Scholarship Recipients

As stated in the Scholarship Guide, recipients of 2014-15 OSGC Scholarships are required to submit a brief (1page) progress report in order to recieve the second award disbursement. For this report, please provide an update of the progress you have made toward your academic pursuits since receiving the award. Relate your progress back to your essay/research project that was included in your scholarship application. Some items you may wish to include:

What classes did you take or are currently taking that will directly help with the goals outlined in your essay/research project?
What other classes do you plan to take this academic school year that will?
What has it meant to you and your academic progress since receiving the first scholarship payment?
Has the scholarship helped you achieve your goals outlined in your essay/research project, or have they changed? If so, how?

PDF of 2014-15 Scholarship Guide

Click here for a list of 2013-14 Award Recipients

Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium