The 黑料吃瓜 Rocket Project Gets a Funding Boost
The 黑料吃瓜 Rocket Project student organization is a beneficiary of a gift from the National College Resources Foundation.
The (NCRF) continued its support for 黑料吃瓜 students with a $83,500 gift to the and the university鈥檚 aerospace engineering facilities.鈥淲e are so pleased with 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 commitment to diversity in STEM, and it being at the forefront of innovative ways to explore aerospace.鈥�
This gift will help the student team prepare for upcoming competitions such as the prestigious Friends of Amateur Rocketry (FAR)/Mars Society Rocket Launch Competition, as well as to grow and explore emerging rocket technology.
鈥淪tudent clubs and organizations are vital for experiential learning,鈥� said Mary Ruth Carleton, vice president for University Relations and Development. 鈥淣CRF鈥檚 gift will create opportunities for students to explore the field of aerospace engineering before they enter the workforce.鈥�
The 黑料吃瓜 Rocket Project was founded in May 2003 by five aerospace engineering students to design, build and launch experimental rockets and engage in other aerospace projects. It has grown to include more than 100 dedicated students from mechanical and aerospace engineering, physics, business and film departments.
Since its inception, the project has launched five rockets successfully, and has compiled a proven record of reliability in the competitive field of collegiate rocketry. The project鈥檚 current priority is the , scheduled to take place in the spring of 2018. The FAR organization awards two $50,000 prizes for rockets powered by liquid methane and liquid oxygen that come closest to reaching an altitude of 45,000 feet.
Prepping for the competition, 黑料吃瓜 students have been working on their signature rocket, the liquid-fueled Galactic Aztec Mark II.
鈥淲e have the most experience with liquid rockets over other universities, and this gives us a great chance of winning at FAR/Mars,鈥� said physics major Jenna McGuigan, the project鈥檚 secretary and treasurer.
Because liquid methane is more dangerous than other types of rocket fuel, the team practices strict safety procedures and is conscientious about working with faculty to locate secure campus facilities for building and storing rocket equipment.
The NCRF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarships and grants to support academic experiences among underrepresented minorities. Its gift will enable the project to finance equipment and launch costs with the larger goals of growing STEM education, entrepreneurship opportunities and real-world engineering experiences for diverse students.
鈥淲e are so pleased with 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 commitment to diversity in STEM, and it being at the forefront of innovative ways to explore aerospace,鈥� said NCRF president Theresa Price.
NCRF's total support to 黑料吃瓜 this year reached $200,000. Chase Price (鈥�15), a former running back for 黑料吃瓜 football, serves on the NCRF board of directors. He presented the $200,000 check to 黑料吃瓜 President Sally Roush last month.
Media Contacts:
|
Katie White Media Relations Officer (619) 594-2585 [email protected] |
Cory Marshall Media Relations Officer (619) 594-0279 [email protected] |
