Utah Valley University (UVU) hosted the Utah NASA Space Grant Consortium Fellowship Symposium and Annual Meeting of Affiliates on Monday, May 4. The event brought together undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and institutional partners from across Utah to share research findings and highlight student achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“Utah Valley University plays an important role in engaging students in meaningful, hands-on research experiences that connect directly to NASA’s mission areas and contribute to Utah’s expanding STEM workforce,” said Kim Olson, associate director of the Utah NASA Space Grant Consortium.
UVU is an affiliate member of the Utah NASA Space Grant Consortium, a statewide network that creates opportunities for students, faculty, and the public to engage with NASA’s aeronautics and space missions. Through programs in higher education, research, K-12 education, and informal learning, the consortium helps strengthen Utah’s STEM ecosystem and develop the next generation of aerospace and STEM professionals.
Through the consortium, UVU receives approximately $15,000 annually from NASA to support student research experiences and scholarships. During the most recent funding year, UVU supported 12 students with research awards in collaboration with eight faculty mentors and awarded eight scholarships to students studying in STEM fields. This year, 12 UVU students presented posters showcasing their research during the symposium.
As a teaching-focused institution, Utah Valley University emphasizes hands-on learning and faculty mentorship as central to student success. The College of Science places a strong emphasis on undergraduate research, creating opportunities for students to engage directly in meaningful scientific inquiry. UVU’s Department of Physics, in particular, provides extensive undergraduate research experiences that allow students to contribute to active projects while building the skills and confidence needed for future academic and professional achievement. This work reflects the university’s commitment to exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results.
The Utah NASA Space Grant Consortium includes 18 affiliate partners representing higher education institutions, industry, government centers, and outreach organizations throughout the state. Each year, the consortium rotates the location of its annual Fellowship Symposium among partner institutions. Hosting this year’s event highlights UVU’s ongoing commitment to hands-on learning, faculty-student research, and statewide scientific collaboration.
NASA launched the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Project in 1989 to expand opportunities for Americans to participate in NASA-related science, engineering, research, and education. Today, the national Space Grant network includes more than 850 affiliates organized into 52 consortia across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
