Sciences Student Caleb Keaveney Selected as a 2022 Astronaut Scholar
Caleb Keaveney ‘23, a meteorology and applied mathematics double major, has been selected as a 2022 Astronaut Scholar.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) awards the prestigious Astronaut Scholarship to science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) students in their junior and senior year of college who intend to pursue research or advance their field after completing their final degree. The ASF awarded 68 scholarships to students from 45 different universities across the country this year.
Keaveney is also a 2022-23 recipient of the NC Space Grant’s Undergraduate Research Scholarship and a 2022-23 recipient of the Goldwater Scholarship, which is among the most prestigious scholarships in the fields of natural sciences, engineering and mathematics. His current research is on the dynamics of a large storm in Jupiter’s atmosphere that has existed for hundreds of years, and understanding what controls the storm’s longevity. After graduating, Keaveney plans to pursue a doctorate in planetary science with a focus on atmospheres.
Keaveney has been working with Gary Lackmann, a professor of atmospheric sciences in the Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, since 2021, and has since gained proficiency in various research tools, such as the Linux computing environment and the EPIC numerical model for planetary atmospheres.
“He shows truly exceptional promise as a research scientist, with both talent and ambition,” Lackmann said.
Founded in 1984 by the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts, the ASF seeks to help the U.S. maintain its world leadership in technology and innovation by supporting the best and brightest STEM scholars. The organization fosters life-long relationships with each Astronaut Scholar and connects them with mentors, C-suite level executives and industry leaders to help advance their careers. NASA astronaut and NC State alumna Christina Koch was a 2000-2001 recipient of the Astronaut Scholarship.
