Charles Noren, a senior in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University, has been awarded the Spirit of Apollo Scholarship for the 2017-18 academic year by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Candidates must be pursuing a course of study in any field of engineering, math or science (i.e., physical science, physics or computer science) that is pertinent to the technical activities of AIAA. Recipients are selected based upon a weighted sum of scholarship (40 percent), personal assessment of career goals (15 percent), recommendations (15 percent), extra-curricular activities (10 percent), work experience (10 percent) and need statement (10 percent).
Noren is an undergraduate research assistant working with Dr. John Valasek, professor in aerospace engineering, in the Vehicle Systems & Control Laboratory. “Charles has conducted research on autonomous systems and robotics with us on two different industry-sponsored AggiE Challenge projects,” says Valasek. “He played a key role as a team member on both of them by applying and improving his extensive experience in robotics. Now he is the lead engineer on an industry-sponsored project on motion video tracking for unmanned air systems as his Undergraduate Summer Research Grant. Charles has an exceptional ability to use innovative approaches to solve tough multidisciplinary problems. I am very proud to be working with him in our lab.”
"To be selected as this year's recipient of the AIAA Houston section Spirit of Apollo Scholarship is a great honor,” says Noren. “I could not have achieved this award without the continued advice and support of my mentor and lab director, Dr. John Valasek, my fellow research assistants at the Vehicle Systems & Control Laboratory, and the faculty and staff of the Texas A&M University Department of Aerospace Engineering. I am extremely thankful for the opportunities provided by the department and AIAA, as these opportunities inspire me to strive to achieve engineering excellence."
Noren was recognized at the AIAA Houston Section annual awards banquet on June 20.