Caring Chemist Scholarship

Born in a small Bonga town of southwestern Ethiopia, Kitaw Ejigu was destined for an impoverished life. However, his hunger for the innovative nature of knowledge created Ethiopia’s first aerospace scientist, NASA’s former Chief of Spacecraft and Satellite Systems Engineer, and the developer of the Global Positioning System. As a first-generation Ethiopian American who shares the same birthdate as the late African trailblazer, I long to continue in the astronautical footsteps of Dr. Ejigu’s legacy. The interdisciplinary Mechanical Engineering major at Cornell’s Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering provides the perfect launchpad for my aspirations. I carry a deep admiration for NASA’s influential council members due to Dr. Ejigu. Hence, I can’t wait to meet Professor Peck—NASA’s former Chief Technologist. His inspirational TEDx Talks have propelled my exploration of aerospace engineering. I began studying the Space Shuttle’s components from former astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman’s online (edX application) course. I will tackle the obstacles of the ideal rocket equation with my mastery of Computer-Aided Design through Professor Peck’s special research project of designing and launching a 50k nanosatellite to outer space. In addition, the Sibley School’s exclusive electives like “Spacecraft Technology and Systems Architecture” will broaden my astronautical cognitive abilities. Thus, the combination of my technical intellect and a collaborative mindset will contribute to the “Cornell Rocketry” project’s Structural Subteam. With the self-proposed “Fly High Kobe III” rocket name, I feel it's about time for a Cornell first-place finish at the Spaceport America Cup. At Cornell’s Co-Optima research program, I hope to work under the distinguished Professor Avedisian for the analysis of droplet combustion dynamics. Participating in the unique opportunity to replicate the function of tangible algae-derived biodiesels at the International Space Station’s facilities is a jaw-dropping dream of mine. I believe that the development of high-performing, sustainable engines can open doors for our planet’s ecological healing. Further, I plan to take part in the Sobhani Lab to create energy management devices that will decrease up to 50% of carbon emissions. Providing affordable biofuel resources to developing countries like my beloved Ethiopia is a substantial issue, so I want to optimize the efficiency of biofuel blends while minimizing the cost of producing biomass from photobioreactors. I think Dr. Ejigu would be so proud from above! Further, my long-term career goal is to become a mission specialist astronaut. The process requires at least a Master of Science degree, two years of professional experience after degree completion, and two more years of professional training with NASA. After attaining a Bachelor of Science as a Mechanical Engineering major at Cornell University, I will strive for a Master of Science as an Aerospace Engineering major at California Institute of Technology’s graduate school. For the next eight years, I will develop my body into peak performance to prepare for NASA’s long-duration flight astronaut physical. Thus, my zealous ambition to maximize my education and fitness levels will allow me to be successful in NASA’s Astronaut Selection Program. Cornell’s Professor Peck once highlighted in a TEDxMidAtlantic Talk, “When we take on these hard [astronautical] problems, naturally innovation happens. We end up solving problems that spin-off...into every other part of our daily lives.” As I travel with a redefined pace on the Sibley School’s path paved by my hero Dr. Ejigu, I anticipate doing just that.