2024 Scholarships

VASBA 2024 Scholarship Recipients

Aiden Conway (VPCC)

My name is Aidan Conway, I was born in New York City and lived in Connecticut before moving here to Virginia. I graduated with honors from the American School, and I am currently attending Virginia Peninsula Community College. I am excited about transferring to Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond to pursue a mechanical engineering degree, where I hope to integrate my artistic talent and design interests with my passion for engineering.

James Cruz

I am an undergraduate student seeking a B.S. degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Old Dominion University with a great interest in Aerospace/Aerodynamics, wind tunnel testing and DOE (Design Of Experiments). I currently serve as the AIAA ODU Chapter Secretary, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Tutor, and a Calculus Lab Tutor. My aviation experience includes: involvement in the conversion of MiG-27 FQM117B U.S. Army artillery test drones from gas-powered to electric-powered with autonomous capabilities; assisting graduate thesis students in repairs to an autonomous carbon-fiber flying wing in the UAV lab; designed a hinge part for wind tunnel testing of the flying wing for ODU’s wind tunnel; and implemented thrust vectoring to an off-the-shelf flying wing previously run on one push prop.

Jacob Davis

I chose to study engineering for a simple reason: a desire to learn. I sought to understand the governing physics driving the natural world and to utilize that knowledge to develop solutions to challenging problems. This motivation and desire to learn was influenced by many experiences in my childhood. I developed a close connection with the world around me through my many adventures as a Boy Scout, which motivated me to achieve Eagle Scout status: the highest attainable rank in the BSA program. These experiences helped me develop a strong curiosity, inspiring everything I do.

My time at Virginia Tech has been nothing short of incredible. I have had the opportunity to perform undergraduate research in the Cavitation and Multiphase Flow laboratory, exposing me to and fostering an interest in fluid dynamics research. I also participate in the Orbital Launch Vehicle team, of which I am now the Vice President; in my role, I get to solve challenging engineering problems, iterate on designs, and share successes with a passionate and intelligent team of students. These experiences helped me to become a Pathways intern at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

Sean Harvey (VMI)

My name is Sean Harvey, I am a sophomore majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Military Institute (VMI). I serve as the third-class representative for the ECE department, this entails attending faculty meetings, acting as the liaison between my classmates and professors, and running study sessions for new cadets in ECE. I am also an S2 corporal where I connect new cadets to academic resources and run academic Saturdays to provide study advice and answer academic questions.

Gabrielle Lang (Averett)

My name is Gabrielle Lang, and I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Management at Averett University. I am a double major in Aviation Business and Flight Operations and obtained my Private Pilot's License with an Instrument Rating. My expected graduation date is May 2026. I am currently working on my Commercial License which has given me the fantastic opportunity to fly to many different states. I am a member of Averett's Flight team, which is part of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA). As a member I have competed in multiple events at the regional level. Averett has not only given me the opportunity to fly, but they have also taken women in the flight program to the Women in Aviation International Conference. I consider myself lucky to have been chosen to attend. There was so much to learn and see, and I will always be thankful for the opportunity Averett Aeronautics has given me. I initially became interested in aviation because of my love for travel, but I have yet to conquer air travel. My first ever commercial airline flight was after I became a Private Pilot, when I was 19 years old. Even though I started flight training, that was the moment I knew I chose the right career. My family has shown unwavering support in my pursuit of this dream. I could not have done it without them. Not only have I loved to fly, but getting to learn how the management and business side works has been very intriguing. I have taken multiple classes highlighting the importance of management within the Aviation Community. I now understand that aviation business is integral to the growth of the industry which keeps air travel busy, and preferred.

Maxim Somov (VT)

Maxim Somov is currently a student studying Aerospace Engineering at Virginia Tech. Before transferring to Virginia Tech, Maxim attended VPCC with a focus on engineering. In addition to participating in many NASA-related programs such as L’Space MCA and L’Space NPWEE, Maxim also participated in many programs part of VSGC including VASTS and VESSS. At Virginia Tech, he is currently on the Rocketry @ VT design team and leads the Recovery sub-team. Maxim would like to take a moment and thank the generous VASBA donors, contributors, and supporters for their selfless donations in supporting this scholarship.