Auburn senior wins second ASF Astronaut Scholarship

Eirik Mulder has received the Astronaut Scholarship for the second year in a row. Mulder, an Honors College senior double majoring in aerospace engineering and computer science in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, was awarded the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) award last month.

This prestigious award recognizes outstanding college students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, ingenuity and potential to make meaningful contributions to their fields.

Mulder is among a select group of students nationwide chosen for this honor, which includes a scholarship of up to $15,000, lifelong networking and mentoring opportunities with astronauts and STEM leaders, and participation in the ASF Innovators Symposium and Gala.

“I’m very honored to have been awarded the Astronaut Scholarship for a second year, and I am extremely excited to continue being a part of the ASF family and working to represent Auburn as an Astronaut Scholar,” said Mulder. “My selection also reinforces the value of the work I have the opportunity to contribute to and pushes me to be the best researcher and person I can be.”

Auburn’s Astronaut Scholarship is made possible by support from Amentum, a global leader in advanced engineering and technology. “Eirik Mulder’s continued recognition as an Astronaut Scholar,” said Amentum Vice President and Program Manager Jeff Haars, “is a testament to his exceptional curiosity, discipline, and passion for discovery.” “At Amentum,” Haars continued, “we are proud to support ASF programs and Auburn University in empowering students like Eirik to push boundaries and help shape the future of science and exploration.”

The Astronaut Scholarship is offered to junior- and senior-year college students. The process begins with nominations from professors or faculty members at an ASF-partnering university.

A supportive Auburn community

Mulder said the decision to attend Auburn was shaped by both the university’s research opportunities and its supportive community.

“I toured Auburn in high school and got to see some of the labs, including the aerospace lab I work in now,” said Mulder. “That research was cool to see, but I also saw a great environment here, made up of amazing people. I got the sense from the students that Auburn faculty wanted to see me succeed. Everyone I talked to was very enthusiastic. Especially within engineering, there was a lot of care for students.”

Mulder’s academic path and double major reflect a long-term goal of working in aerodynamics and spacecraft systems.

“I wanted to work on aircraft or spacecraft controls, which is why I chose aerospace engineering. Computer science adds knowledge to working on guidance and navigation systems. Being able to code efficiently in those fields is really important.”

looking ahead

Mulder said the mentorship and community offered through ASF reinforce the direction he hopes to take in a future career.

“Long term, I want to pursue research in the astrodynamics and spacecraft field. The opportunity to meet astronauts and experts working in that field and the chance to learn from other passionate students directly connect to my long-term goals in research. Getting to connect with other scholars and get mentoring also supports my goal of becoming a better researcher and person,” said Mulder.

Founded in 1984 by the Mercury 7 astronauts, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation supports the nation’s top STEM students to strengthen the future of U.S. leadership in science and technology. ASF scholars go on to distinguished careers in research, innovation and public service.