Undergrad Awarded AIAA David and Catherine Thompson Space Technology Scholarship

Department of Aerospace Engineering rising senior Daniel Grammer was awarded a 2024 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) David and Catherine Thompson Space Technology Scholarship. The $10,000 scholarship supports outstanding students studying a field to enter the astronautics industry.

Grammer—who is also pursuing a minor in nuclear engineering—is working to create a model of UMD’s nuclear reactor in Python for Monte Carlo simulations in student research and ensuring experiment safety. He is dedicated to exploring the potentials of fission power for future space exploration applications.

Last summer Grammer investigated the potential for miniaturized pulse combustion in active flow control applications and presented his research at AIAA SciTech.

He is also a senior liaison for the University of Maryland’s AIAA student branch and the launch director for the Balloon Payload Program. For his honors research, he is designing a robust neutron scintillation counter to fly to near-space altitudes with the Balloon Payload Program.

Grammer is passionate about the future of nuclear power in space travel, and he intends to pursue a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering to explore the feasibility of fission power off earth’s surface, and create safe, reliable reactor designs for extraterrestrial colonies or deep-space missions.

“I hope to contribute to and see the development of fission surface power on the moon during my career,” said Grammer, adding that he is extraordinarily grateful to AIAA and David and Catherine Thompson for this award.

“I hope to achieve great things with their support!”

The AIAA Foundation provides scholarships and graduate awards annually to undergraduate and graduate students in science or engineering programs to support future aerospace professionals.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AIAA SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES.

Published September 13, 2024