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Students receive up to $15,000 in financial support and other professional development opportunities��

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�ֲ���ý, Colorado – The �ֲ���ý Biochemistry Department today announced one Biochemistry student was named to the 2026 class of Astronaut Scholars by the����(ASF). Asher Ferreira will receive up to $15,000 in financial support. He will be honored along with�� throughout the U.S. at ASF’s�� on Aug. 13-15, 2026, at the Omni Houston Hotel in Houston, Texas.

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ASF’s�� is offered to junior and senior-year college students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The process begins with nominations from University of Colorado professors or faculty members. Upon selection, each student receives a scholarship up to $15,000 and is officially named an Astronaut Scholar. Additional highlights include exclusive mentorship and professional networking with astronauts, alumni and industry leaders. Astronaut Scholars also take part in the�� and receive a fully funded trip to attend ASF’s Innovators Symposium & Gala, which includes a technical conference where Astronaut Scholars showcase their cutting-edge research.

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Distinguished Professor Karolin Luger felt strongly about nominating Asher Ferreira for the 2026 Astronaut Scholarship Award - a very prestigious acknowledgement to a student's achievements. "Asher talked his way into my lab in his first semester at CU, and his enthusiasm for science was boundless even then. He's since become a highly productive and creative undergraduate researcher in my lab — the kind of student who reminds me why I love this job. I'm thrilled to see his potential recognized with this fellowship. He will go far."

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ASF awarded its first seven $1,000 scholarships in 1986 to honor the pioneering Mercury 7 Astronauts — Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Walter Schirra, Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton. The program was championed by the six surviving Mercury 7 Astronauts, along with Betty Grissom (widow of Gus Grissom), Dr. William Douglas (Project Mercury’s flight surgeon) and Orlando philanthropist Henri Landwirth. What began as a celebration, quickly evolved into a national commitment to support exceptional college students pursuing degrees in STEM. Since then, over the past 40 years, more than $10 million has been awarded to more than 900 college students.

“Each new class of Astronaut Scholars represents the future of innovation and discovery,” said Colleen Middlebrooks, President and CEO of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. “The 2026 Astronaut Scholars have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, curiosity and leadership, and we are proud to support them as they continue pursuing breakthroughs that will shape the future of STEM. We look forward to welcoming them into the ASF family and seeing the impact they will make in their fields and beyond.”

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�ֲ���ý Astronaut Scholarship Foundation��

The�� (ASF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that awards scholarships to the brightest college students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). ASF was created in 1984 by the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts to ensure the United States would maintain its leadership in science and technology. Today, the Foundation continues to honor that legacy by supporting exceptional scholars and inspiring the next generation of explorers.