NASA has selected 65 graduate students as the 2013 class of Space Technology Research Fellows. Of the 65 winners announced today by NASA, five are from Georgia Tech and 4 of those are from the School of AE. The fellows conduct innovative space technology research on their respective campuses, at NASA centers, and at nonprofit U.S. research and development laboratories.

Students from Georgia Tech who were awarded fellowships include:

AE students

-Hisham Ali for "Sustainable3 in Space Manufacturing through Rapid Prototyping Technology"

-Alexandra Long for "Deployable Drag Device for Launch Vehicle Upper Stage Deorbit"

-Matthew Miller for "Decision Support Tool Development for Human Extraterrestrial Extravehicular Activity"

-August Noevere for "Improving the Fidelity of Structural Analysis and Sizing in Multi-Disciplinary Design"

-And, ME student Olutobi Ogunieye for "Low-T, Low-Q Cryocoolers for Science Instruments"

This class of space technology graduate students will conduct research relevant to agency technology challenges aligned with NASA's space technology road maps, while pursuing degrees in related disciplines at their respective institutions.

"NASA's space technology development and innovation pipeline sees a natural on-ramp for new ideas coming from America's graduate researcher community," said Michael Gazarik, NASA's associate administrator for space technology in Washington.  "By partnering with and investing in America's brightest minds, we are guaranteeing a great future for NASA and the nation.  These technology research efforts will bolster America's competitiveness in a knowledge-based, global technology economy while enabling our space exploration goals."

The fellowships and research activities are part of a renewed emphasis by NASA on technology.  The progam also is designed to inspire the nation's students and contribute to an innovation-driven economy.  NASA's Space Technology Research Grants Program challenges academia to examine the theoretical feasibility of ideas and approaches that are critical to making science, space travel and exploration more effective, affordable and sustainable.  The program is part of NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, which is dedicated to innovation, developing, testing and flying hardware for use in NASA's future missions.

For more information about NASA's investment in space technology, click here.