Miami University seniors Zachary Abrahms and Cece Meinking have earned Astronaut Foundation Scholarships for 2024. 

Awarded by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, the Astronaut Scholarship is among the most significant merit-based, monetary scholarships awarded to undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) juniors and seniors who intend to pursue research or advance their field upon completion of their final degree.

Created in 1984 by the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts, the foundation’s mission is “to aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in technology and innovation by supporting the very best and brightest scholars in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while commemorating the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts.”

Miami is one of the foundation's original university partners, with the first student being awarded a scholarship in 1986. There are currently 48 partner institutions nationally.

Miami is also one of seven partner schools of the foundation's Founders for the Future program. Thanks to a $1 million grant from Blue Origin’s nonprofit Club for the Future, seven additional Astronaut Scholarships — one from each of the seven partner schools — will be provided every year through 2029.

Meinking also was one of three Miami students selected as a Goldwater Scholar for 2024-2025. A Centerville native, Meinking is a Biochemistry and Music Performance (viola) double major.

The Astronaut Scholarship is considered one of the premier scholarships available to undergraduate STEM majors intending a career in research.

“A lot of what keeps me motivated is being able to provide something that has valuable insight into the world of science and making science evolve and move forward and finding out new things,” Meinking said. “I really want my research to be looked on as something that did something valuable to move science forward.”

Abrahms, a Biology major with a Premedical Studies co-major from Kansas City, Missouri, also serves as an ambassador for the College of Arts and Science. Whenever speaking with prospective students, Abrahms makes sure to point out the many opportunities Miami offers.

“Miami has provided me with all the resources that I’ve needed to grow,” Abrahms said.