Two Students Named 2026 Astronaut Scholarship Recipients

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Sept. 14, 2026) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University undergraduates Victoria Little and Avery C. Love have been selected as 2026 Astronaut Scholars, an elite scholarship awarded annually to the nation’s most academically accomplished students pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees.

Little and Love, both Honors College students in the College of Science and Technology (CoST), are also Cheatham-White Scholars who have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, leadership and high-impact research experiences that continue N.C. A&T’s tradition of excellence.

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation was created to ensure that the United States would maintain its leadership in science and technology by supporting some of the very best science, technology, engineering and mathematics college students.

The award provides up to $15,000 in academic support and offers scholars access to an exclusive national network, mentorship from astronauts and leading scientists, and participation in the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s Innovators Symposium and Gala, where students present their research and engage with leaders across STEM fields.

Little, of Greensboro, North Carolina, a dual-degree senior studying biology and psychology, is mentored by Antoinette Maldonado-Devincci, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, where she conducts research in neuromodulatory signaling. Her work integrates experimental biology and data-driven analysis to better understand tumor behavior and neurological signaling.

At A&T, Little performs laboratory research involving tissue processing and receptor analysis to support ongoing studies in neurobiology. Her research also includes a competitive internship at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, where she examined glioblastoma responses to immunotherapeutic agents, contributing to ongoing investigations of tumor resistance.

Love, of Harrisburg, North Carolina, a senior studying chemistry with a minor in biology, was also selected as an Astronaut Scholar in 2025. He conducts research under the mentorship of Thomas Forshaw, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry at A&T. His work as a Dow Scholar focuses on developing methodologies to analyze the metabolomic composition of organoids using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, with applications in understanding brain metabolism and Alzheimer’s disease.

His research experiences span nationally competitive programs, including work at Yale University and the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he investigated topics ranging from biochemical composition of marine organisms to bacterial gene expression linked to disease.

Their selection for this renowned program reflects not only individual achievement, but also the strength of the university’s academic and research ecosystem.

“Our mission in the Honors College is to cultivate students who excel academically while engaging deeply in research, leadership, and service,” said Honors College Dean Margaret I. Kanipes, Ph.D. “Avery and Victoria embody that mission as Cheatham-White Scholars who have maximized the opportunities available to them and translated those experiences into nationally recognized achievements. Their success reflects the intentional support structures and high expectations that define the Honors College at North Carolina A&T.”

“The College of Science and Technology is committed to advancing scientific discovery while preparing students to excel in graduate education, pursue impactful research careers, and become the next generation of STEM leaders,” said CoST Dean Abdellah Ahmidouch, Ph.D. “Avery and Victoria’s recognition as Astronaut Scholars reflects the strength of our academic programs, the dedication of our faculty mentors, and our shared mission to position N.C. A&T students at the forefront of innovation and scientific leadership.”

Little and Love have presented their research at national conferences and participated in competitive summer research programs, further positioning them for success in graduate education and future scientific careers.

“At North Carolina A&T, we are committed to expanding access to transformational academic and research experiences while preparing students to compete at the highest levels,” said Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., associate dean of research and program innovation in the Honors College and campus liaison for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. “Through the Honors College and signature programs such as the Cheatham-White Scholarship, students are equipped to pursue rigorous, impactful research and to engage meaningfully with the broader scientific community.

“Avery and Victoria exemplify this model, demonstrating how talent, opportunity, and mentorship converge to advance both individual success and the university’s mission of excellence and access.”

National scholarships and fellowships are open to eligible students, and the Honors College remains committed to helping all Aggies identify, prepare for and compete for these highly selective opportunities. Students interested in learning more about the Astronaut Scholarship should email Dumancas at ggdumancas@ncat.edu.