OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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Note: The STARR Program replaces the OSGC Undergraduate Scholarship and Fellowship Program.
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 underserved and 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.
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 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 areas of emphasis. 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 mentor the student, review/edit 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 present their work at the OSGC Spring Symposium (virtual or in-person) or submit a recorded presentation.
Award Funds
A total of $104,000 will be awarded in the 2021-22 STARR Program, contingent upon funding from NASA Office of STEM Engagement. 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. Awardees will receive $500 in October 2021 and the remainder of the award in May 2022 upon completion of deliverables. Awards are compensation of a student’s time and effort; supplies/equipment purchases are prohibited. Terms and conditions vary by type of institution.
Community College Student Requirements
4-Year Institution Student Requirements
Duration
STARR awards are a one-time, non-renewable, academic year-long award.
Number of Awards to be Funded
Number of awards may vary by institution type; total dollar amount of awards not to exceed $104,000.
Equal Opportunity and Diversity
Students from underserved groups and groups underrepresented in STEM fields, specifically Native American, African American, Latino, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander, 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.
STARR awards are open to undergraduate students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
Please discuss options with your OSGC affiliate representative to ensure criteria are adequately met.
Application packets for the STARR awards must include the following:
Documents are to be single-spaced, using standard 8½ x 11 paper, in font not smaller than 12-point with a minimum of 1” margins. All pages must be numbered sequentially. Students will submit application packets online.
Includes the following:
Include relevant employment, education, and extra-curricular activities. Resume should include current contact information including email, phone, and mailing address.
Includes the following:
Topics should be specific/narrow in scope. Students are expected to refer to Appendix A. Agency Information and Strategic Framework and Appendix B. Research Priorities for NASA Mission Directorates for guidance when selecting a research topic.
Note: If selected for a STARR award, students will review the chosen topic and elaborate on how it aligns with NASA’s top priorities and/or how it speaks to the challenges facing NASA’s missions. Students should be prepared to offer insight into the contributions of the research and demonstrate interdisciplinary applications and how the research could potentially extend to other areas of science or engineering relating to NASA’s top priorities and areas of emphasis.
Develop a timeline for your project that includes milestones and measurable outcomes. Refer to the Dates and Deadlines: Deliverables section for associated deadlines. Timelines are tools that help researchers stay on track to complete a project in the allotted time and should be shared with faculty advisors to ensure project deadlines are met in a timely manner.
STARR applicants must identify a faculty member at their respective institution with expertise relevant to the research being reviewed and who agrees to serve as faculty advisor on the project. The advisor must be willing to provide guidance and mentorship throughout the process, participate in regularly scheduled check-ins with the student and the Midway Meetup, and review/edit the student’s work prior to submitting deliverables. The selected faculty advisor must provide a Statement of Support acknowledging their role and expectations as advisor for the project. The Statement of Support is to be included in the online application packet submitted by the student. The Statement of Support does not serve as a letter of recommendation.
Advisors must be affiliated with an OSGC member institution; OSGC affiliate representatives may serve as faculty advisor on a project. Affiliate representatives may assist students in identifying a faculty member who has expertise relevant to a project.
One letter of recommendation is required. The letter should specifically address your qualifications and merit for receiving a STARR Award. Students will be asked to provide contact information for the person providing the letter of recommendation. Upon submission of your application, this individual will receive an email request for the letter. The letter of recommendation will be due one week after the student application is due.
A PDF of your academic transcript must be submitted with your online application. Unofficial transcripts from your college or university website are acceptable and should include record of the courses in which you are currently enrolled.
Complete application packets will be submitted online:
Faculty advisors are expected to have expertise relevant to the research being reviewed, and be willing and able to contribute insight and perspective to a project. Advisors must be willing to mentor the student by providing guidance throughout the process and review/edit the student’s work prior to the student submitting deliverables, keeping in mind white papers must be original work of the student. Advisors are encouraged to help students understand the components of research and research review. Faculty advisors should be prepared to participate in regularly scheduled check-ins with the student to maintain progress and make certain milestones are met and deliverables are submitted on time. Advisors should plan to participate in the Midway Meetup.
Advisors must be affiliated with an OSGC member institution; OSGC affiliate representatives may also serve as faculty advisor on a project. Faculty advisors are required to provide a Statement of Support to be included in the student’s online application submission.
Applications are evaluated for eligibility when received. Qualified applications will be reviewed by a diverse selection committee who will make recommendations for funding based on stated review criteria
(see below). Preference may be given to women, individuals from underserved and underrepresented groups in the STEM fields, and individuals with disabilities.
Review Criteria
More detailed information pertaining to the following deliverables will be communicated directly with students who are selected to receive a STARR award.
Students agree to complete an online confidential Student Profile Form when they accept the award. This information is used for reporting to NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement and for longitudinal tracking purposes to evaluate the effectiveness of NASA’s higher education programs.
OSGC will host an online, virtual check-in for STARR recipients and mentors midway through the project. Participates will meet to discuss progress, solicit feedback, bounce ideas, ask questions, and share hurdles and solutions with fellow STARRs and mentors. OSGC leadership will facilitate the meeting and be available to answer questions relating to deliverables. The Midway Meetup will be held in early February 2022.
STARR recipients are required to submit a descriptive outline of the project approximately one month prior to the white paper due date. Descriptive outlines include introduction, main body, and conclusion and are limited to 2 pages.
Students selected to receive STARR awards are required to write an original white paper describing the findings of the research review of the selected topic, how it aligns with one or more of NASA Mission Directorate’s top priorities, and/or how it speaks to the challenges facing the execution of current NASA missions. Students 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 and/or engineering relating to NASA’s top priorities and areas of emphasis.
Students will not be conducting hands-on research and will not need access to onsite resources. Faculty advisors are encouraged to review the paper and offer guidance and edits, but white papers must ultimately be the original work of the student; plagiarism results in loss of award.
Community College Students
4-Year Institution Students
In addition to the white paper, STARR recipients attending 4-year institutions are required to present their work utilizing a PowerPoint presentation to an audience. Students may be given a choice of participating in the OSGC Spring Symposium, deliver a live presentation via OSGC social media, or submit a recorded presentation describing the research review project. Specific options will be presented at a later date. This requirement is for 4-year institution students only.
The student agrees to notify OSGC of any changes in mailing address, email, and telephone number for contact purposes.
The student grants permission to release and/or publish requested recipient information to NASA or other appropriate parties. 4-year institution students grant permission to release live or recorded presentations.
Direct questions to Catherine Lanier, OSGC Associate Director, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 541.737.2414.
Community College STARRs:
Troy Liggett | SOCC | Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG); Its Mechanisms and Applications for the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover
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
Elaine 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
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.
STARR awards are a one-time, non-renewable, academic year-long award.
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.
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 [email protected] or by phone at 541.737.2414.
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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:
Dates | Deadlines
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.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Click here for a list of the 2018-19 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 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:
Dates | Deadlines
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.
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.
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.
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:
Dates | Deadlines
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.
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.
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.
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:
Dates | Deadlines
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.
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
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
Eligibility
Scholarships are open to students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
Required Application Materials
Student Essay
A one-page essay (12 pt font, single spaced) that answers the following questions:
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.
Click here for a list of 2014-15 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 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:
Questions regarding OSGC Scholarship opportunities, application procedures, or eligibility may be directed to OSGC staff by phone or email.
As stated in the Scholarship Guide, recipients of 2014-15 OSGC Scholarships are required to submit a brief (1page) progress report in order to receive 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:
PDF of 2014-15 Scholarship Guide
Click here for a list of 2013-14 Award Recipients
Oregon NASA Space
Grant Consortium
92 Kerr Admin Building
Corvallis OR 97331
Phone: 541.737.2414
Fax: 541.737.9946
Shipping Address:
Oregon NASA Space
Grant Consortium
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