Aerospace Engineering Scholars

Adrian Akerson
Mentor: Dr. Ron Madler
Expected Graduation Date: December 2009

I was born and raised in California before graduating from high school, and I am the second youngest out of five in my family. Upon graduating from high school, I went on to acquire an Associate of Arts degree from Maui Community College in Hawaii – fall 2005. I transferred to Embry-Riddle – Prescott, to pursue a double major in Space Physics, with emphasis in advanced propulsion and in Aerospace Engineering, with emphasis in astronautics.

My plan is to complete my bachelor programs of study possessing the fundamental graduate level skills needed to become a research scientist/engineer. With such skills and the assistance, guidance, and resources of the McNair program, I plan to academically specialize in the development of exotic propulsion and energy technologies as a graduate student and complete a PhD in physics (college not yet determined).

Upon completion of my terminal degree, my occupational plans are to join industry to help in the development of technologies that incorporate recent discoveries in science to create an efficient, multipurpose, high-endurance, low-hazard and reusable interplanetary spacecraft. To this end, I hope to leave industry to rejoin the educational community as a university professor to help excite and prepare future scientists to follow in my footsteps. I hope to dedicate my life to studying, inventing, implementing and helping transform the ways we envision and actualize space travel.

Jacob Flores
Mentor: Dr. Madler
Expected Graduation Date: May 2009

I was born in Southern California before moving to Las Vegas, NV. I am currently dual majoring in Space Physics with an emphasis in exotic propulsion and Aerospace Engineering. My McNair mentor is Dr. Madler with a planned graduation date of May 2009. My plan is to attend graduate school in Medical Physics or Biomedical Engineering.

Jena Marcum
Mentor: Dr. Gally
Expected Graduation Date: December 2009

I am from Silverton, Oregon and I am pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering. I am involved in Society of Women Engineers at the national level as a Collegiate Leadership Coach. I believe greatly in diversity and the practice of good values and ethics. I am interested in furthering my education after obtaining my bachelors degree and am very eager to begin working in industry. I would not be where I am today if it were not for the immense amount of support I have received over the years and I am so grateful to have such wonderful parents.

Geimi Delarge
Mentor: Dr. Nafzeiger
Expected Graduation: May 2011

I am studying Aerospace Engineering. The McNair’s Scholars Program is a wonderful opportunity to help me attain a PhD and my lifelong goal of becoming an Astronaut. I am active on campus in professional engineering organizations as well as on campus research opportunities. Presently I am an active participant in the NASA Space Grant Program and hope to participate until I graduate in 2011.

Jessica Avitia
Mentor: Dr. Madler
Expected Graduation: May 2011

I was born in Chicago, Illinois but raised in El Paso, Texas with two older sisters and wonderful parents. I am in the Aerospace Engineering program because I have always loved challenges, creating new things and outer space. I have always wanted to obtain a PhD, the opportunity my family never had. McNair will give me the chance to gain my PhD and will allow me to help others with obtaining a higher education.

Amy McCleney
Mentor: Dr. Madler
Expected Graduation: May 2010

I was born and raised in Yuma, Arizona where currently my entire family still lives. I was raised by a single parent with one younger sister. McNair has given me the chance to achieve my dreams of receiving a high education. No one in my family has ever tried to achieve an higher education in a field such as Engineering. There were many in my life who told me I would not make through college, but my family kept telling me that no amount or money nor person can ever take away any chance to achieve your dreams. After receiving a degree in Aerospace Engineering, I look forward to going to graduate school and receive knowledge that I thirst for.

We'd like to tell you more about the McNair Scholarship Program here at Embry-Riddle. Call Olga Diaz at (928) 777-6935 or e-mail her to request more information or an application. Or, use our convenient online inquiry form.