Emily Mikhail, an NDSU junior double majoring in mechanical engineering and physics, has been named a 2025-26 Astronaut Scholar by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
Emily Mikhail, an NDSU junior double majoring in mechanical engineering and physics, has been named a 2025-26 Astronaut Scholar by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. She is one of just 74 students nationwide selected from 51 colleges and universities for this prestigious award, which recognizes exceptional undergraduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Mikhail was selected based on her outstanding academic performance, ingenuity and strong aptitude for research. Each Astronaut Scholar receives up to $15,000, exclusive access to professional development and one-on-one mentoring by astronauts, alumni or industry executives.
“Receiving this award means the world to me, not only for the incredible support the foundation provides, but also because of the sense of community and belonging that exists among the Astronaut Scholars,” said Mikhail, who is from Rochester, Minnesota. “I see so much potential in my peers at NDSU and in fellow Astronaut Scholars, and it’s truly an honor to know that others see that potential in me, too.”
The honor includes a fully funded trip to ASF’s Innovators Symposium and Gala, set for Aug. 13-16 at the Omni Houston Hotel in Houston, Texas. Mikhail and other scholars will be recognized during the gala, where an astronaut will present their awards on stage during the Saturday night celebration. Scholars also can present their research at the Scholar Technical Conference, a signature component of the symposium.
Mikhail for the past two years has been an undergraduate research assistant on a hybrid rocket team. She said the team’s research is unique because it uses a transparent combustion chamber to directly observe combustion in real time.
The project has transition into the collection of qualitative data about geometry of the combustion and exhaust flow, Mikhail said. They’ve created a 3D reconstruction and are now looking to more precisely quantify temperature distribution.
Mikhail is mentored by Jori Estevadeordal, NDSU professor of mechanical engineering.
“It’s such a fascinating project and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that our work is contributing to the growing understanding of hybrid rocket engine performance and design,” Mikhail said.
Established in 1984 by the original Mercury 7 astronauts, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $10 million to over 900 scholars over the past 40 years. The scholarship began as a tribute to the pioneering Mercury 7 and astronauts Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Walter Schirra, Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton. It has grown into a national commitment to supporting innovation and excellence in STEM.
“We’re excited to see how their passion and talent will help fuel meaningful progress across STEM fields,” said Caroline Schumacher, president and CEO of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. “The 2025 class of Astronaut Scholars brings fresh energy, creativity and determination to the ASF community.”
In addition to mentorship and financial support, scholars also participate in the Michael Collins Family Professional Development Program, join the Astronaut Scholar Honor Society, and take part in Foundation events throughout the year.
For more information about the program and a full list of recipients, visit AstronautScholarship.org.
“I am beyond grateful for the experiences and knowledge that NDSU has provided, and I know they have prepared me well to be an Astronaut Scholar,” Mikhail said. “I can’t wait to see what the future holds as I continue to work with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. This is an honor and an opportunity that I will carry with me for years to come.”
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