The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) has awarded three outstanding University of Central Florida (UCF) students the prestigious 2024 Astronaut Scholarship. Recognized as leaders in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), these students exemplify the innovation, passion, and determination needed to maintain the United States’ leadership in science and technology.
Since its inception in 1984, the Astronaut Scholarship has supported more than 850 exceptional students, distributing over $9 million in scholarships. The award celebrates individuals who demonstrate intelligence, ambition, adaptability, and a commitment to scientific discovery. This year, UCF students Abigail Glover, Charlotte Moore, and Luis Santori are among 71 undergraduates from 48 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the scholarship.
Abigail Glover: Bridging Art and Lunar Research
Mechanical engineering student Abigail Glover, a Burnett Honors Scholar, is celebrated for her extensive research in planetary science. Her Honors Undergraduate Thesis, Quantifying the Performance of the SPARTA Toolkit for Use in Planetary Regolith Characterization Missions, highlights her focus on lunar surface exploration.
As a project manager for the Regolith Interactions for the Development of Extraterrestrial Rovers (RIDER) program at UCF’s Exolith Lab, Glover leads teams and collaborates with industry experts to enhance lunar rover technologies. She has also worked with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems, contributing to the Artemis II mission.
Glover’s journey into STEM began in art and theater, a background that initially made her feel like an outsider. However, her determination and curiosity paved the way for her success. “It has been a long journey of discovering my capabilities, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she shares.
Looking ahead, Glover hopes to contribute to sustainable lunar habitation through advancements in regolith research and system development.
Charlotte Moore: Aiming for the Stars
Charlotte Moore, a double major in mathematics and physics and a Burnett Honors Scholar, has her sights set on advancing our understanding of the universe. Her research on galaxy mergers and light polarization has earned her recognition in the astronomy community.
Moore has collaborated with leading researchers, including Eric Bell from the University of Michigan and UCF’s Theodora Karalidi, on projects that explore stellar halo constraints and the polarization of Jupiter’s light.
While overcoming imposter syndrome, Moore has relied on mentorship and perseverance to thrive. Her dedication earned her awards such as the Order of Pegasus and the Knights Achievement Scholarship. She also mentors fellow students through the Society of Physics Students, inspiring others to pursue research.
“I want to work at a research institution or university to continue exploring galaxy mergers and contribute to the field of astronomy,” Moore says.
Luis Santori: Advancing Planetary Science and Mathematics
Mathematics major Luis Santori, a second-time Astronaut Scholarship recipient, exemplifies resilience and passion. His research spans lunar craters and regolith, guided by UCF professors Kerri Donaldson Hanna, Adrienne Dove, and Eduardo Teixeira.
Santori’s work has not only advanced his academic expertise but also shaped his personal growth. “Research has kept me curious and introduced me to subjects beyond my curriculum,” he explains.
With aspirations to pursue a doctorate in applied mathematics and planetary science, Santori envisions a career in academia, national laboratories, or industry.
“Balancing work and life has been essential to my success,” he says, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the face of self-doubt.
UCF’s Commitment to Excellence
The recognition of these three students underscores UCF’s dedication to fostering STEM talent and supporting groundbreaking research. The university encourages aspiring scholars to explore prestigious opportunities like the Astronaut Scholarship.
For more information about the Astronaut Scholarship and application processes, students can contact the Office of Prestigious Awards at OPA@ucf.edu.