University of Arizona Senior Earns 2024 Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Award
From left to right: Dr. Andrew Paek, Bryce Wilson, Dr. Carmala Garzione, Dr. Tom Jones (Astronaut)
W.A. Franke Honors College student Bryce Wilson has received the 2024 Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) award. Wilson was was presented with the award by former astronaut and University of Arizona alumni Dr. Tom Jones at a ceremony on campus in mid-November. This scholarship is highly competitive—out of hundreds of accomplished applicants, only 71 students from 48 colleges across the U.S. were awarded this prestigious scholarship, which offers students up to $15,000 in financial support.
The award from ASF is Wilson’s second significant scholarship recognition, after being named a Goldwater Scholar earlier this year. Both scholarships recognize students who have outstanding potential in STEM.
“I love science and research! I'm passionate about using our understanding of basic biology to answer questions about complex systems. Both [Goldwater and Astronaut] scholarships were a perfect fit, as I aim to pursue a research career in science,” said Wilson, double-majoring in molecular and cellular biology and biochemistry.
Known nationwide as one of the largest merit-based scholarships awarded to undergraduate STEM juniors and seniors, the Astronaut scholarship provides academic and networking opportunities for students, participation in the Michael Collins Family Professional Development Program, and a paid trip to attend ASF’s Innovators Symposium & Gala, featuring the Neil Armstrong™ Award of Excellence. This latter event also includes a technical conference where Astronaut Scholars present their research.
Growing up in Mesa, AZ, Wilson started his research journey early on in high school when he joined the lab of Dr. Michael Kruer at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, working on the molecular and genetic basis of movement disorders like cerebral palsy. After enrolling at U of A in Tucson as a freshman, Wilson has continued his pursuit of research, working in labs with guidance from Dr. Daniela Zarnescu and Dr. Andrew Paek. Most recently, his work has focused on transcription factor dynamics throughout the neural differentiation process.
“I’m also very passionate about teaching and mentorship. I think training the next generation of scientists is incredibly important and I’m so glad I’ve been able to participate in science outreach programs to high school and middle school students during my time at U of A,” continued Wilson.
Outside of academic pursuits, Wilson plays bass guitar, enjoys still life photography, and is an avid long-distance runner. He ran his first marathon in Barcelona last March, and plans to run another 26.2 in Rome this spring.
After graduation, Wilson hopes to pursue an MD/PhD and conduct neurological disease research as a physician scientist.
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Bryce Wilson (middle), with ONCS staff Dr. Karna Walter (left) and Valeria Quijada (right).
About the U of A Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships
The Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (ONCS) is housed in the W.A. Franke Honors College and is dedicated to assisting all University of Arizona students pursue prestigious external awards. These scholarships not only offer financial support but also invaluable recognition across various disciplines and interests. The staff from ONCS was instrumental in connecting Wilson to scholarships that aligned with his academic goals, and supporting him throughout the rigorous application process.
Students who are interested in applying for external awards like the Astronaut and Goldwater Scholarships should contact ONCS at https://oncs.arizona.edu/contact-us