VASBA 2025 Scholarship Recipients
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.
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Brittany Ballard (ODU)I am proud to be studying chemistry, a field with diverse applications. One area of interests and excites me is aerospace. I plan to investigate in how my degree can further the safety and efficiency of air and space travel. The challenges and execution of aerospace demand the bold innovation and precision that chemistry allows. The idea that a discovered or invented molecule or material can make the difference between mission success and failure is both humbling and inspiring. Being a part of that discovery or invention would not only be extraordinary but would also be a rewarding endeavor. I aspire to play a proud role in the discovery in what lies beyond the stars.
Without chemistry, aerospace would not be possible or reasonable. Chemistry plays a vital role in developing efficient fuel, advanced materials, and life-supporting systems. In 2001, NASA was celebrating the development and improvement of Triton Oxygen Resistant polymers, or TOR, which resisted the extreme effects of low earth orbit. Chemical engineers make this possible. Barium Oxide is a chemical compound that enables recyclable oxygen systems. Another groundbreaking discovery in chemistry that made space travel possible. Chemistry also has made space travel, and regular air travel, safer. Mercury was once used for fuel but was replaced due to environmental concerns. Today, space travel is accomplished using super cooled liquid hydrogen and oxygen. Airplanes use a heat-resistant lubricant for the O-rings used. This lubricant prevents fuel leaks making air travel safe. Even the air masks meant for emergency oxygen flow contain a chemical compound meant to prevent the oxygen from bursting into flames. In every mission, launch, and safe return, chemistry is quietly working behind the scenes, making the impossible possible, and turning science fiction into reality. I cannot describe the appreciation I feel towards VASBA, not only for this opportunity, but also for all the great work they do for the aerospace community. VASBA is dedicated to aiding the growth and development to Virginia’s aerospace community. This is a significant and ambitious mission, given that the state is home to numerous airports and the world’s largest naval station, which houses an astonishing number of aircraft. It would be an honor to contribute to this mission, and with your support, I am eager to help shape the future of aerospace in Virginia and beyond. |
Dominique Rhoden (VSU)Growing up in Jamaica, my life was defined by the determination to transcend the limitations of my impoverished upbringing. From the outset, I harbored an insatiable curiosity, a fervent desire to understand the world around me. This thirst for knowledge was my guiding light, propelling me forward even when the path seemed impossibly steep. From an early age, I was captivated by the wonders of technology. Despite limited resources, I voraciously consumed any information I could find on computers. This early fascination laid the foundation for my future pursuits in computer science. It was my curiosity that drove me to push beyond the confines of my circumstances, seeking out every opportunity to expand my understanding. But life was not all about academics, for I have love and interest for many other things. Soccer is one of my loves, a source of joy and camaraderie amidst the challenges of daily life. Whether watching or playing, the beautiful game provides a welcome respite from the struggles of poverty and adversity. Likewise, my love for music spanned genres, offering solace and inspiration in equal measure. And as a film connoisseur, I found escape and enlightenment in the artistry of cinema. These are all the things that bring me joy in my spare time to escape from the struggles and stress of the real world. Despite the odds stacked against me, I refuse to succumb to despair. Failure was merely a temporary setback, a steppingstone on the path to success. I have a competitive spirit that burns fiercely, driving me to excel in every endeavor I undertake. With unwavering determination, I forged ahead, undeterred by the obstacles that littered my path. My journey to Virginia State University on a Computer Science Presidential Scholarship was a testament to my perseverance and dedication. It was an opportunity to realize my dreams and to immerse myself in a world of endless possibilities. And I wasted no time in making the most of every moment. At VSU as a first-year student, I like to throw myself into every aspect of university life with gusto. Hackathons became my battleground, where I honed my skills and tested my mettle against the best and brightest. Thurgood Marshall College Fund events provided invaluable networking opportunities, connecting me with mentors and peers who shared my passion for excellence. Joining the Coding Club and HCASC (Honda Campus All-Star College) further expanded my horizons, exposing me to innovative ideas and technologies. Seminars and workshops became my classroom, where I absorbed the knowledge and wisdom needed to become the best version of myself. With all my efforts to do this, I believe my journey is far from over, especially because I’m a first-generation student trying to make an impact and stamp my family’s name in history and my closest friend which was my brother passing away when I graduated high school back home didn’t ease the chip on my shoulder one bit. As I continue to strive for greatness, I remain ever-curious and ever-hungry for knowledge. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, each failure a chance to learn and grow. And with every step forward, I am reminded of the tenacity and resilience that brought me to where I am today. In the end, it is not the circumstances of our birth that define us, but the choices we make in the face of adversity. And I will always choose to rise above, to defy expectations and rewrite the narrative of my life. For I am not just a product of my past, but a harbinger of a future filled with promise and possibility.
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Elise Gage (VT)As an aerospace engineering student at Virginia Tech, I have continuously sought academic, professional, and extracurricular opportunities that deepen my technical understanding and allow me to contribute meaningfully to the aerospace field. Most recently, I began a rotational internship supporting ground processing efforts for the Orion spacecraft at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center as part of the Artemis II mission. The opportunity has been incredible, but balancing such a rigorous internship with my academic commitments has meant extending my graduation timeline. Receiving this scholarship would give me freedom to continue
investing fully in these experiences. Academically, I have participated in research on the electromagnetic properties of composite structures and model-scale seaplane dynamics, collaborating with faculty and sponsors to present our findings and refine experimental methods. My role as an undergraduate lab assistant at the FRITH First-Year Makerspace allows me to train engineering students in lab safety and prototyping methods. Additionally, as a member of the Honors College, I have prioritized depth and rigor in my coursework. Outside of the classroom and lab, I have committed myself to building up and supporting my community. As president of the AIAA student branch at Virginia Tech and former president of the Sigma Gamma Tau honors society at Virginia Tech, I’ve helped organize cross-disciplinary events, professional panels, and networking opportunities to connect students with the broader aerospace industry. Through Alpha Omega Epsilon, a sorority for women in STEM, I participate in service initiatives and professional development events that encourage inclusivity and mentorship within technical fields. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue to focus on the hands-on experiences and academic pursuits that fuel my passion for this industry. It would also be an investment in my commitment to building a future in aerospace shaped by curiosity, collaboration, and a drive to give back. I am honored to be considered by an organization so deeply rooted in Virginia’s aerospace progress and would be proud to represent its values in my journey forward. |
Cadet Mohammad Mahdi Zanganeh Niazabadi (VMI)Since entering the Virginia Military Institute, I have pursued Electrical and Computer Engineering with the same discipline and resilience that defines the cadet experience. With a cumulative GPA of 3.95 and as a resident of Glen Allen, Virginia, I have consistently challenged myself through rigorous coursework across a wide range of sectors and disciplines. As a member of the Honors Program, I have worked to integrate classroom knowledge with research and technical projects, from reverse engineering internships to building autonomous systems, to working with cutting-edge technologies at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory that combine ECE principles with cybersecurity applications.
Beyond academics, I have been committed to serving both my department and the Corps. Within ECE, I have supported peers through collaborative learning, helping to build an environment where cadets push one another toward excellence, while also serving as a member of Eta Kappa Nu. At the Institute level, I serve as the Class of 2027 Ring Figure Chairman, a role that requires extensive coordination, communication, and leadership to preserve one of VMI’s most important traditions, while also remaining active in several clubs. These responsibilities have strengthened my ability to manage large projects and to represent my class with honor and professionalism. I have also sought opportunities to extend my impact to the wider community. As a volunteer coach for wrestling in my hometown, I mentor younger athletes by sharing lessons from my own years as a state champion. I also engage in outreach through VMI’s Cyber Captains program, where I help promote awareness of cybersecurity issues to both cadets and younger students. These activities reflect my belief that engineering and leadership are best measured not only by individual achievements, but by the ways they empower and uplift others. The combination of striving for academic excellence, leadership in service, and commitment to community has shaped my time at VMI and will continue to guide my career as I pursue advanced research in engineering and its applications in national security and innovation. While I do not currently have an active student loan, I am paying for my tuition out of pocket through my work in the VMI library and as an undergraduate researcher. The VASBA Award would not only help reduce this financial strain, relieving the pressure of monthly tuition invoices, but would also allow me to continue devoting my full energy toward excelling academically, serving my peers, and contributing meaningfully to Virginia’s future in engineering and development. |
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