Alexandra Heinimann, a junior undergraduate student in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University, has been named a recipient of the 2016 Aerospace States Association (ASA) scholarship. Each year ASA presents two scholarships nationwide to students who are pursuing study in the fields of aeronautics and aviation. Rockwell Collins sponsors the scholarship.
The ASA scholarship award of $2,000 is available to sophomores and juniors in an undergraduate degree program pursuing study in the areas of physical sciences, engineering or aviation or aerospace-related fields. Rockwell Collins is a provider of aviation and information technology systems and services.
Heinimann is interested in flight testing. She has participated in Vehicle Systems & Control Laboratory (VSCL) research on Unmanned Air Systems under the direction of Dr. John Valasek, professor of aerospace engineering. Through VSCL, she has also worked on general aviation flight safety for the FAA.
“She has done a great job on all of it, and is a tremendous asset to the laboratory and the aerospace engineering department,” said Valasek. “We are fortunate to have her.”
After participating in the department’s study abroad India program in early summer, Heinimann is now interning with The Boeing Company’s Engineering Accelerated Hiring Initiative.
She is also pursuing the international engineering certificate and hopes to have the opportunity to live and work abroad.
“My main goal is to find a job and career that I love,” said Heinimann.
ASA is a nonpartisan organization of lieutenant governors, governor-appointed delegates and associate members from aerospace organizations and academia. ASA represents states’ interests in federal aerospace and aviation policy development. An integral part of ASA’s mission is to support initiatives that enhance student and teacher education in space and aeronautics.