Senior Paul S. Haugen, a double major in electrical engineering and mathematics, has been selected for the prestigious Astronaut Scholarship Foundation scholarship for the 2004-05 academic year. The $10,000 award is one of 17 presented by the foundation.
Craig Schnell, provost and vice president for academic affairs, received notification of the award in a May 10 letter from Howard Benedict, foundation executive director.
In a letter of nomination, Alan White, dean of science and mathematics, wrote that Haugen intends to pursue a master’s degree and doctorate, while preparing for an electrical engineering career focusing on research. “Paul is a remarkable young man with a very clear vision of where he wants to take his career,” White wrote. “Paul Haugen has shown an incredible amount of drive and purpose in his academic career and he has shown an unusual focus in his career goals.”
Haugen’s goal in 10 years is to direct research for advanced technologies in the aerospace industry, an interest sparked when he was allowed to fly a relative’s small plane when he was 16 years old.
“I have since been interested in researching and exploring all aspects of aeronautical technology and have found myself deeply intrigued by the field’s cutting edge and continual advancements,” Haugen wrote in his application for the scholarship. “Another option I am considering is combining research in both biomedical and aeronautical studies, such as investigating sudden loss of consciousness due to high g-forces and learning why pilots keep consciousness longer when they are prone as opposed to upright.”
Haugen is a member of the Tau Beta Pi and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Societies. He attended Culbertson, Mont., High School.
The foundation, supported by more than 40 former astronauts, has a mission to help the United States retain its world leadership in science and technology through scholarships for science or engineering students who demonstrate motivation, imagination and exceptional performance. Based in Titusville, Fla., the foundation has awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships to more than 180 students.