Our department’s undergraduate scholarships, made possible by the generosity of donors, are a key component in student success.
Department of Aerospace Engineering Scholarships
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the impact a scholarship can make.
Grace Rensing, Department of Aerospace Engineering senior – graduation in December 2025
Scholarship profile: Grace Rensing, recipient of Laura Talbot Seidensticker Aerospace Engineering Scholarship
How has your scholarship impacted your student experience at Iowa State?
This scholarship continues to motivate me because it shows that others believe in my potential and ability to succeed – something I value greatly. It has allowed me to focus on academics and extracurricular involvement while fully embracing the Cyclone experience.
How has being a scholarship recipient helped you in job searching or other future planning?
The assistance provided by this scholarship has allowed me to channel my energy on academics and being involved with student organizations – and also looking at internship and career opportunities.
What are your future plans?
I am going to intern with Relativity Space, a commercial space launch company, at their Cape Canaveral location, and then return to Iowa State for my final semester. After graduation I plan to enter the work force while pursuing an MBA degree.
This scholarship is provided by Laura Talbot Seidensticker, a 1989 department graduate. Her career path included work with Rockwell Space Operations Company, which was the main contractor to NASA at Johnson Space Center, working for the Mission Operations Directorate for the Space Shuttle program. Her advice to students includes,“Work hard and keep moving forward. Believe in yourself because you are your best cheering squad. No one else will ever understand how hard you have worked and what your dreams mean to you.”
Scholarship profile: Kayla Oftedahl, recipient of Vincent M. Pollmeier Memorial Scholarship
Kayla Oftedahl (right) is shown with Vincent M. Pollmeier Memorial Scholarship donors, alumni Richard Chin and Barbara Bahning Chin.
How has your scholarship impacted your student experience at Iowa State?
It has meant the world to me. Being a first-generation college student comes with the pressure of being the first in my family to go to college. But the scholarship has allowed me to truly make the most out of my time here.
What do you see as some of the best things about being an undergraduate in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and in the College of Engineering?
All of the resources available to the students. Between tutoring and extra instruction it has made it very easy to find ways to get help when needed, as well as the incredible help from the advisors in this department.
What would you say to prospective students considering enrolling in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and seeking scholarships?
Do your best in checking out opportunities. Even if it seems challenging, it is worth it to set your sights here. There are many ways to succeed and Iowa State offers many opportunities to be successful.
This scholarship has been provided by Richard Chin (Electrical Engineering ’86) and Barbara Bahning Chin (graphic design ’90) in memory of their friend Vincent Pollmeier, an aerospace engineering major and first-generation student. The scholarship will be awarded to first-year, first-generation aerospace engineering students. “Our wish for you is that you exemplify Vince’s courage, his curiosity and his humanity,” says Chin to those who receive the scholarship. “To boldly go where no in your family has gone before.”
Department of Aerospace Engineering Named Scholarships, 2024-2025 Academic Year
- Aerospace Engineering Alumni Scholarship Fund
- Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Callanan, USAF, Retired, Aerospace Engineering Scholarship
- Grandia Scholarship in Aerospace Engineering
- Alexander Lippisch Memorial Scholarship
- McKean Scholarship
- Kim and Chris Pastega Women in Aerospace Fund
- Vincent M. Pollmeier Memorial Scholarship
- Professor R Ganesh Rajagopalan Memorial Scholarship
- Rodger and Vicki Rozendaal Aerospace Scholarship
- Leverne K. Seversike Scholarship Fund
- Talbert Family Scholarship
- Laura Talbot Seidensticker Aerospace Engineering Scholarship
- Thompson Family Scholarship
- Paul Troupe Scholarship in Aerospace Engineering
- Dave and Diana VanHorn Aerospace Engineering Scholarship
- Eric Westfall Aerospace Engineering Scholarship
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How to Apply for Scholarships
To apply for all Department of Aerospace Engineering scholarships, as well as College of Engineering scholarships, students must submit a scholarship application to the College of Engineering each year.
Information about additional scholarships given by the university is on the Office of Financial Aid’s website.