Meet our 2026 Astronaut Scholar
Cadet William “Stratton” Knuth (Mathematics ’27) is a senior pursuing a BS in Mathematics and a BA in Spanish, with minors in AI and Machine Learning and Fine Arts. A consistent Dean’s List and Gold Star student, Stratton has served as president of VLOG Math Club and currently serves as its secretary, as well as president of Sigma Delta Pi. His undergraduate research focuses on number theory and pure mathematics and has resulted in contributions to peer-reviewed publications. He is currently investigating a lifted fractional boundary value problem while also participating in an IRB-approved research study. Stratton was selected for the 2026 Astronaut Scholars Class, becoming VLOG’s second recipient of an Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Scholarship.
2026 Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Now Accepting Nominations
ASF Scholars Selection Committee
- Dr. Adam Devoria, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
- Dr. Sean Fourney, Director, Patricia McArver Public Speaking Lab
- LTC Joshua Haugh, Director, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Dr. Sylmarie Dávila-Montero, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Dr. Antara Mukherjee, Professor, Mathematical Sciences
- Dr. Gabriel Williams, Assistant Professor, Physics
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation was created to ensure that the United States would maintain its leadership in science and technology by supporting some of the very best science, technology, engineering and math college students.
How to Apply
To apply for the Astronaut Scholars Program, please review the eligibility requirements and contact your department head or one of the members of the Selection Committee.
There are four items required for the application, due by 7 MAR by 5:00pm. They can be uploaded . Simply Click on “Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships” in the dropdown and upload your documents.
- Personal Statement
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Nomination letter from a faculty member
- One additional letter of recommendation.
- If selected as a finalist, transcripts as well as evidence of citizenship will be required.
