Elizabeth Romero (Aerospace Physiology Lab) has been selected by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) to join the 2025-2026 group of Astronaut Scholars. Romero was selected based on her “exemplary academic performance, ingenuity and unique aptitude for research.”
Romero was invited to present at ASF’s Innovators Symposium and Gala in August. She presented her research to astronauts whose experience spans the Shuttle through Artemis eras. “I especially enjoyed talking to astronauts about the benefits of countermeasure devices during space missions,” says Romero. “The Gala was a fun closing to the event, where I received my award!”
Romero was also invited by Space Center Houston, an ASF sponsor, to give a talk as part of their Hispanic Heritage Month speaker series in October. “I was grateful for the opportunity to inspire the next generation of students to pursue STEM and higher education, hopefully Aerospace Engineering. I presented on what Hispanic Heritage Month is, prominent Hispanic influences in aerospace, and my journey to MIT and passion in human spaceflight.”
In addition to funding and events, the ASF program offers access to a prestigious network of astronauts, alumni, and industry leaders for mentorship and professional development. “The ASF scholar and mentor network allows me to gain advice and perspective from many people about different career paths,” says Romero. “I am very grateful for the support from my academic and research advisor Prof. Lonnie Petersen and Prof. Jeff Hoffman.”
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation was established by the Mercury 7 astronauts to ensure that the United States maintains its leadership in science and technology by supporting some of the nation’s most outstanding college students in science, technology, engineering, and math.
