U of A Goldwater Scholar Natalie Rawlings Selected as 2025-26 Astronaut Scholar
Former NASA astronaut Scott Altman presented the Astronaut Foundation Scholarship to Rawlings at a ceremony on the University of Arizona campus last week.
A W.A. Franke Honors College student, Natalie Rawlings, has been named a 2025-26 Astronaut Scholar by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. She was honored for this distinction at a ceremony on the University of Arizona campus last Thursday, where she received the recognition by former NASA astronaut Scott Altman.
The Astronaut Scholarship, founded in 1984 by the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts, is one of the largest merit-based scholarships awarded to undergraduate students in STEM fields.
This year, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation awarded 71 scholarships across 51 partnering universities. The award, valued at $15,000 to each selected scholar, includes unparalleled opportunities for students—conferences, mentorship, professional development, networking, recognition, and more. These opportunities and initiatives through ASF empower students to positively change and influence society through innovation and discovery.
Rawlings is a senior pursuing degrees in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Arizona. During her first semester at the University of Arizona, Rawlings joined the Capaldi Lab. There she has been studying TORC1/mTOR, a metabolic regulator which is linked to aging, as well as diseases such as cancer and epilepsy. She aims to apply the research experience she has gained working in the lab to her future endeavors.
“I am passionate about uncovering the molecular basis of disease and developing better therapeutics for patients who have limited options,” she said.
Outside of the Lab, Rawlings has founded the Undergraduate Journal Club, which exists to foster scientific communication and inspire undergraduates to engage with research. She is also involved in various health and wellness initiatives such WellCats and Peer Counseling with Campus Health.
"Natalie embodies the curiosity and determination that the Astronaut Scholarship represents," said John Pollard, Dean of the W.A. Franke Honors College. Rawlings was a student and preceptor in Dr. Pollard's Honors Chemical Thinking class during her freshman year. “She is an impressive scholar dedicated to creating impactful change through her research. I have no doubt that, with the support of this scholarship, she will continue to be a leader in our campus community.”
Rawlings has received early admission to the College of Medicine – Tucson through the Honors Early Assurance Program and is a member of HEAP Cohort 6. She also has been a recipient of an Exploratory Mini Grant, where she obtained funding and support to design and implement an evidence-based wellness room in the Health Sciences Library on campus.
In addition to receiving the Astronaut Scholarship, Rawlings is also a 2025-26 Goldwater Scholar.
"Natalie’s awards are not only a recognition of her achievements but also a reminder of the Franke Honors College’s commitment to our values—preparing students to seek excellence, connect with opportunities, create change, evolve beyond their comfort zones, and celebrate their extraordinary accomplishments," continued Dean Pollard.
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Students interested in the Astronaut Scholarship or other competitive external awards can reach out to Valeria Quijada from the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships for more information.