UC renames institute to honor Neil Armstrong
Director tells WVXU that ASTRO will support students in many disciplines
Honoring the legendary astronaut and former University of Cincinnati professor Neil Armstrong, UC aims to expand and grow the university's historic and future contributions to aviation and spaceflight with the Armstrong Institute for Space Research and Technology (ASTRO).
ASTRO logo
The Space Research Institute for Discovery and Exploration (SRIDE), which was established in 2021, has been rebranded as ASTRO.
“Adding Armstrong's name adds value to that, but our work doesn't change,” Charles Doarn, ASTRO director, told WVXU. “We just continue marching forward, and hopefully we'll come up with some grand ideas and invention disclosures and be world famous.”
Coupled with a new logo, the new name heralds a new chapter in UC's commitment to space research and technology. ASTRO sponsors several funding opportunities aimed at advancing space exploration, technology and applied research.
The student support program offers two key awards: one for undergraduates and another for graduate students. These awards are designed to support students across all disciplines exploring ideas in space exploration, technology and applied research. Additionally, the Office of Research pilot program offers a special track for faculty who seek to conduct team-based, interdisciplinary research.
“Primarily — and most importantly — we pursued this naming opportunity to enhance the stature of the students being recognized by scholarships and fellowships from the institute,” said Patrick Limbach, UC's vice president for research. “Having this direct connection to Neil Armstrong within their awards immediately enhances the tie between space research, UC and the student. We also believe this will be a key benefit for students when they graduate from UC — being directly tied to the Armstrong Institute and its research foci.”
ASTRO is part of UC Digital Futures, a facility for interdisciplinary research. The institute is fostering the creation of new knowledge, technology and research and supporting students and UC faculty conducting applied research in space and technology.
Doarn told WVXU that ASTRO will support students in a number of disciplines including engineering, public health, chemistry and political science.
“The idea is to increase knowledge within the area of aerospace, aerospace engineering, aerospace applications — whether it's producing new foods products or new environmental monitoring tools,” he said.
See more coverage about ASTRO:
Featured image at top: Former UC College of Engineering and Applied Science Professor Neil Armstrong teaches in his aerospace engineering classroom. Photo/UC Marketing + Brand
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