Space Physics 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

Justin Tussing
Mentor: Dr. Lawrence
Expected Graduation Date: May 2011

I am a Space Physics student, I am concentrating of studies is Particle Physics & Gravity. I am currently a junior and a single dad as well. I look forward to working to continuing my research in the private sector. I have not found where exactly I will be continuing my grad school education, as I am still pursing my options.

Rachel Greenlee
Mentor: Dr. Smith
Expected Graduation Date: May 2011

I was born in Manchester, NH and I am the first in my immediate family to attend college. I became interested in physics in high school, and decided that it was the right fit for me. When I learned about ERAU's space physics program I was thrilled to find that my two passions could coincide. I have always had a fascination with space, and the interstellar medium. After completing my bachelors in Space Physics, I am going to attend graduate school at an undetermined location preferably in a warm climate. I will become the first person in my family to receive a doctorate and a bachelor. My ultimate goal is to continue my research in astrophysics and return to a university to pass on my knowledge to future physicists.

Billy Nollet
Mentor: Dr. Gretarsson
Expected Graduation Date: May 2009

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.