Join the National Space Society and the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) for an inspiring panel featuring some of the brightest minds shaping the future of science and technology. Selected through one of the most prestigious merit-based competitions in the nation, Astronaut Scholars represent the next generation of innovation in STEM.
In this dynamic session, five standout scholars will share insights from their groundbreaking research, their vision for the future of space and technology, and how ASF’s support has influenced their personal and professional journeys.
This panel offers a rare glimpse into the passions, challenges, and aspirations of tomorrow’s STEM leaders—and how they are already making an impact today.
About ASF: Founded by the Mercury 7 astronauts in 1984, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation supports exceptional students pursuing STEM careers, awarding over 70 scholarships annually to foster excellence, leadership, and exploration.
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Panel Speakers
Tony Antonelli
Retired NASA Astronaut, Former U.S. Navy Captain, Aerospace Engineer
Presentation Title: Moderator: Astronaut Scholarship Panel
Tony Antonelli is a retired U.S. Navy Captain and former NASA astronaut with more than 4,700 flight hours in over 40 different types of aircraft. He served as the pilot on two Space Shuttle missions—STS-119 and STS-132—and held key leadership positions within the Astronaut Office, including roles supporting the Space Launch System, Commercial Crew Program, Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM), and Read More
Abigail Glover
NASA EGS Human Systems Integration Team
Presentation Title: Astronaut Scholarship Panel
Abigail Glover is a recent honors graduate of the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and minors in Mathematics and Astronomy. She is a 2024 Astronaut Scholar and currently works with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Human Systems Integration (HSI) team preparing for Artemis II. Read More
Jessica Jelke
Student, George Washington University's Elliott School
Presentation Title: Astronaut Scholarship Panel
Jessica Jelke is a three-time NASA JPL intern, NASA grant award recipient, and a 2022 Astronaut Scholar. After graduating from the University of Washington’s Astronomy and Physics Departments, Jessica began working as an Educator at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This August, Jessica will attend George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs and begin the Master’s program Read More
Winter Jones
Student, Spelman College
Presentation Title: Astronaut Scholarship Panel
Winter Jones, an Atlanta native and senior mathematics major at Spelman College, is an aspiring aerospace engineer. As a sophomore, she secured funding through the Department of Defense’s Research Scholars program to build a model hybrid rocket engine and refine a cutting-edge fuel grain casting technique. Today, she contributes to NASA’s University Leadership Initiative at Georgia Tech’s Ben T. Read More
Luis Santori
Ph.D. Student, Mathematics, Purdue University
Presentation Title: Astronaut Scholarship Panel
Luis Santori is a 2023 and 2024 Astronaut Scholar. After completing his undergraduate degree in Mathematics at the University of Central Florida, he will pursue a Ph.D. in Mathematics at Purdue University. Read More
Samantha Stoltz
M.S. Student, Applied Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
Presentation Title: Astronaut Scholarship Panel
Launch Thrive Architect Samantha Stoltz, a 2023 Astronaut Scholar, completed her B.S. in Biology at the University of Central Florida’s Burnett Honors College. She was accepted to the Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering for Professionals program as a Master of Science student in Applied Biomedical Engineering. Read More
