May 28, 2008 - Claremont, Calif. - He was also featured on the cover of ASF’s May 2006 magazine, which focused on his research with Engineering Professor Zee Durón ’81 creating an early warning system for firefighters that will predict structure collapse. Since receiving the Astronaut Scholarship, Panish has remained actively involved with the ASF, attending the organization's annual meetings and speaking at a 2006 gathering commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Gemini 12 flight. "Any scholar who chooses to go to the annual meeting develops lifelong friendships with the other scholars as well as meaningful relationships with dozens of former astronauts, including men who walked on the moon," he said. The ASF, established in 1984 by the six surviving members of America's original Mercury Seven astronauts, was created to ensure that the United States would maintain its leadership in science and technology in the future by supporting promising college students who exhibit motivation, imagination and exceptional performance in the science or engineering field of their majors.
Candidates, nominated by faculty members from a handful of designated colleges and universities, receive a $10,000 scholarship for their continuing education.
"The group of schools supported by the Astronaut Scholarship is a truly elite group, and Harvey Mudd's inclusion is a true honor," said Robert Cave, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty. "Nadia Abuelezam is a perfect example of both what HMC and the Astronaut Foundation hope to achieve in and through young people. She is extremely bright, intellectually adventuresome and committed to important issues the world is facing."
"I am super excited about winning this award," added Abuelezam, who is majoring in mathematical biology, with an emphasis on mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. "It means a great deal to be named an Astronaut Scholar and I look forward to living up to all expectations."
This summer, Abuelezam, who is from San Mateo, Calif., will be working with The AIDS Support Organization in Uganda, Africa. She will be trying to improve the efficiency of the organization's HIV/AIDS clinics and centers by optimizing their anti-retroviral drug distribution.
"I hope that my mathematical work will help the organization reach out to more HIV/AIDS infected people," said Abuelezam, who plans to pursue a doctoral degree in epidemiology after HMC and conduct field work with major international health organizations such as UNAIDS and the World Health Organization. "I look forward to applying what I know there and seeing the difference I can make with my education."
While in Uganda, Abuelezam will also be working with high school and middle school students. "I am bringing along letters from fellow Mudders encouraging these Ugandan students to continue their education," she said.
As an Astronaut Scholar, Abuelezam joins the company of recent HMC graduates Samuel Eisenberg '08 and Robert Panish '06.
Eisenberg, a physics graduate and co-founder of the environmental group Mudders Organizing for Sustainability Solutions, was named an Astronaut Scholar both in 2006 and 2007 for his outstanding work in the field of magnetic materials.
In 2007, during a public presentation and ceremony, Space Shuttle astronaut Gordon Fullerton presented Eisenberg with his award.
Panish, an engineering graduate with an interest in space vehicle design, received the Astronaut Scholarship in 2005.
As a scholarship recipient, he was invited to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where he attended the annual Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, met with astronauts, attended VIP tours of the space center and walked under the Space Shuttle Endeavor.
While scholarship recipients must display intellectual prowess, the committee also looks for well-rounded students who are involved in campus and community activities.
To date, the foundation has awarded nearly $2.5 million in scholarships to 226 deserving students, according to the organization's website.
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