3 Purdue students named 2025 Astronaut Scholars

Three Purdue University students have been named by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) as 2025 Astronaut Scholars — one of the nation’s most prestigious merit-based scholarships for undergraduates in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The Purdue recipients are:

• Arjun Gupte, a senior in the College of Engineering majoring in computer engineering (scholarship sponsored by Jim Hays in memory of astronaut Gene Cernan)
• Ishaan Singh, a junior in the College of Science and the John Martinson Honors College majoring in applied physics honors and biochemistry (scholarship sponsored by Marc and Sharon Hagle)
• Zhiyuan Chen, a junior in Purdue’s colleges of Engineering and Agriculture majoring in biological engineering and biochemistry (scholarship sponsored by Dick and Kathleen Covey and the CoveyLove Legacy Fund)

They are among 74 students selected nationwide from 51 colleges and universities to receive up to $15,000 in financial support. Scholars also benefit from access to mentorship, networking opportunities with astronauts and industry leaders, and participation in the ASF Innovators Symposium & Gala in Houston this August.

Purdue has been receiving scholarships annually as a member of the ASF since 1987, reflecting the university’s long-standing excellence in STEM education and leadership in space exploration.

Founded in 1984 by the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts, the ASF supports the United States’ continued leadership in science and technology by awarding scholarships to the most promising college students in STEM majors. ASF’s mission is not limited to careers in aerospace — it supports students across a wide range of STEM fields. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $10 million to over 900 exceptional scholars at select institutions nationwide.

More information about the ASF is available at astronautscholarship.org.

Last updated: June 24, 2025