John Stout, an undergraduate triple majoring in Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Computer Engineering, has been selected as the 2010-2011 recipient of the Astronaut Scholarship.  He was selected in part due to his triple major while maintaining a 4.0 GPA as well as his volunteer work and research.

John was nominated by Ms. Cecilia Townsend.

Dr. Michael Escuti, who wrote is letter of reference and serves as his undergraduate research advisor, described John as one of the hardest working, intelligent, and positive-minded students he has encountered during his academic career.

Space Shuttle Astronaut Frank Culbertson presented John with a $10,000 scholarship from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) during a public presentation and ceremony on Monday, October 11 in the Ballroom of the Talley Student Center.

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation was created from the Mercury Seven Foundation that was formed in 1984 by the original class of American astronauts. In the beginning, the Mercury Seven Foundation depended largely on direct contributions resulting from the activities of the Founders. The Astronauts remain strongly committed to the Foundation and participate actively in building the best possible program dedicated to encouragement of outstanding young Americans to pursue careers in science and engineering, especially in fields with strong research and applied components.

North Carolina State University is just one of 25 universities included among the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Institutions.