Three AAE students are recipients of Aviation Week’s prestigious “20 Twenties” award for 2017. Geoffrey Andrews, Julia Crowley Farenga, and Emily Zimovan were chosen from an international field of candidates. Final selection was based on exceptional academic performance, communication skills, and student contributions to the broader community. The recipients will be honored at Aviation Week's Laureates Awards in March, where they will have the opportunity to connect with some of the foremost innovators and leaders in the aerospace industry.

About Geoffrey

Geoffrey is a PhD student of Professor William Anderson. His research focuses on computational modeling of combined-cycle rocket engines for launch vehicles. Geoffrey says he was genuinely surprised to be chosen as one of the 20 Twenties.

“As a graduate student, I find that it's easy to develop a case of tunnel vision focusing on coursework and research,” he says. “To be recognized in this way is a humbling reminder of what it means to be a member of the broader aerospace community.”

About Julia

Julia is in the first year of the PhD program with Professor William Anderson. Her research focuses on combustion stability of supercritical temperature and pressure dodecane and oxygen in rocket engines. Julia says she is honored to be named one of the 20 Twenties.

“The award means to me that my academic, extracurricular, and outreach efforts have been worthwhile,” she says. “Being included with the other amazing winners is an inspiration to reach higher.”

About Emily

Emily is a Master’s student of Professor Kathleen Howell, who plans on continuing on to her PhD. Her research focuses on looking at orbits near the Moon, specifically, near rectilinear halo orbits, for a future manned-habitat. Emily says being named one of the 20 Twenties is an honor.

“To be recognized among my peers as one of the top students in the field is really cool!” she says. “It gives me confidence that I'm in the right field and that the work I've been doing thus far is important.”