NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – Two University of Oklahoma students were recently named to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation 2024 class. The scholarship provides financial, educational and networking support to the best students and future leaders in science, technology, engineering and math nationwide. Cayman Matson and Brooke Rogachuk, students in the Gallogly College of Engineering and Honors College, are the only 2024 Astronaut Scholars from the state of Oklahoma.
Matson is a senior in the Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering. Since entering the First Year Research Experience program at OU, Matson has worked with Chenkai Dai, Ph.D., an associate professor in the College of Engineering. Matson creates virtual models of the inner ear to aid in testing prosthetics like cochlear implants. These models serve as a preliminary resource to test designs before moving to the animal testing phase, thus saving time, money and animal lives. Over the summer, Matson interned at the Tulane National Primate Research Center, studying the blood-brain barrier and the neuropathology of COVID-19.
Rogachuk is a junior in the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, minoring in environmental studies. During her time at OU, her research has focused on alternative energy and sustainability under the direction of Jude Okolie, Ph.D. Notably, she has been involved in creating sustainable aviation fuel produced from waste materials, developing models to evaluate different processes for producing the fuels and conducting economic analysis and life-cycle assessments of the products. She has studied the various transportation processes and storage methods and completed a full-scale economic analysis on the topic. She is currently working on composites for aerospace applications with Jingyao Dia, Ph.D. Rogachuk spent the summer in Ireland, participating in an internship concerning green chemistry biocatalysts and pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.
Through the Astronaut Scholars program, students receive up to $15,000 in financial support, as well as a mentor and other professional development opportunities.
About Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) is an Orlando-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit commemorating the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts. Founded by the six surviving Mercury 7 Astronauts in 1984, ASF partners with industry leaders, universities, and individual donors to achieve its mission of supporting and rewarding exceptional college students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
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