Research

Hannah Pohlmann awarded Astronaut Scholarship

Credit: Sam GleasonAll Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Schreyer Honors College Scholar Hannah Pohlmann has been awarded the prestigious Astronaut Scholarship. 

Pohlmann, a senior studying materials science and engineering and mathematics, has been actively involved in polymers research during her Penn State career. This past summer, she served as a product and applications development intern at ExxonMobil. 

“I am incredibly humbled and proud to be acknowledged as a leader in my field and as worthy of financial investment based on my ability to further STEM research in our country,” Pohlmann said. “This has given me great confidence in my abilities as a scientist and has inspired me to push through some of the more difficult projects.”

Vice President for Research Neil Sharkey introduced former NASA and Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke, who led the event. The event was co-sponsored by the University Fellowships Office (UFO) and 3M.

“The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) looks for leadership, imagination, and research excellence, which are all areas where Hannah excels,” said Caitlin Ting, UFO interim director. “We are thrilled to see that the ASF also recognizes her efforts, and we are excited to have Charlie Duke present Hannah with her award.”

Members of Penn State and the local community were invited to attend the ceremony. Duke, who was also the capsule communicator for Apollo 11 during the first moon landing, provided a brief lecture.

“We hope that this unique opportunity inspires other Penn State undergraduates to pursue research and become leaders in their own field,” Ting said.

Pohlmann said receiving the Astronaut Scholarship marks an incredible start to her senior year and that she is “thrilled to represent for Penn State what it means to be a scientist who could change the world.”

Established in 1984, the ASF aims to foster U.S. leadership in science and technology. More than 400 students — including 27 Penn Staters — have benefited from individual scholarships of up to $10,000.

To learn more about the Astronaut Scholarship, or about other fellowship and grant opportunities, visit the University Fellowships Office website.

The University Fellowships Office is part of Penn State Undergraduate Education, the academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for University-wide programs and initiatives in support of undergraduate teaching and learning at Penn State. Learn more about Undergraduate Education at undergrad.psu.edu.

Last Updated April 12, 2018