USU Engineering Student Stands Out as Utah's Only 2025 Astronaut Scholar

Mechanical engineering student Boston John has been selected to receive a renowned scholarship from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.

John is the fourth USU student to be honored with this prestigious award and is the only recipient in Utah this year. The award will be presented by a NASA astronaut during a special ceremony August 2025.

"I am incredibly honored to receive the Astronaut Scholarship,” John said. “From flying my first plane at 13 years old to now building unmanned aircraft at Space Dynamics Laboratory, I've always been passionate about the engineering behind flight.”

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to helping the United States maintain its global leadership in science, technology and innovation. Established by the original Mercury 7 astronauts, the foundation's mission is to support exceptional university students pursuing degrees in STEM disciplines. USU became the first institution in Utah — and the 45th nationwide — to join the ASF scholarship program.

In addition to financial support, recipients also receive a mentor, access to a wide network of aerospace experts and the opportunity to attend the foundation’s Innovators Gala in Houston, Texas.

John, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering with an aerospace emphasis and a minor in unmanned aircraft systems, expects to graduate in May 2026. Since his first year at USU, he has worked at the Space Dynamics Laboratory, where he designs, builds and tests unmanned aircraft. His prior experience includes roles at respected aerospace firms such as Northrop Grumman, Hill Aerospace Museum, Spartonics and Barnes Aerospace.

“This award reflects the support of my mentors, peers and faculty at Utah State and Space Dynamics Laboratory, who have helped me grow into the engineer and leader I am today,” John said. “I'm excited to connect with the foundation’s community and continue working toward a future career in aerospace engineering."

This summer, John will intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he will work on refactoring the trim algorithm for Chopper, a hexacopter drone designed to fly around Mars to gather scientific data.