Syracuse Sun

Julia Fancher, a rising junior majoring in physics and mathematics at the College of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program, has been named a 2024-25 Astronaut Scholar by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF).

Founded by the Mercury 7 astronauts, ASF awards scholarships to junior or senior students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) who intend to advance their field upon graduation. Astronaut Scholars are recognized for their initiative, creativity, and excellence.

The scholarship includes up to $15,000 for educational expenses, a paid trip to ASF Innovators Week and Gala in Houston in August where Fancher will receive her award, and lifelong mentoring opportunities with astronauts, alumni, industry leaders, and ASF members.

Fancher collaborated with Syracuse University's Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA) on her application. CFSA Director Jolynn Parker remarked: “Julia’s commitment to research in astrophysics since her first semester on campus at SU, combined with her extraordinary publication and presentation record, make her a superb fit for the Astronaut Scholarship. We’re thrilled that she’ll benefit from the program’s tuition support and excellent mentorship and professional development opportunities.”

Caroline Schumacher, ASF president and CEO stated: “For 40 years, ASF has been at the forefront of nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders...We welcome the 2024 class and look forward to supporting them.”

Fancher is also minoring in computer science within the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Recently named a 2024 Goldwater Scholar as well, she attributes her inspiration for pursuing STEM research to Nathalia Holt’s book “Rise of the Rocket Girls,” gifted by her aunt during middle school.

As a freshman at Syracuse University (SU), Fancher joined Assistant Professor Eric Coughlin's high-energy astrophysics lab. Her research focuses on tidal disruption events (TDEs), using numerical simulations and analytical methods to model these occurrences which reveal properties of distant galaxies. She aims "to continue contributing to our understanding of...astrophysical transients."

Her work has challenged existing theories about star disruption in TDEs. This research was published as first author in December 2023's Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Currently testing a new model developed by Coughlin and Chris Nixon from the University of Leeds’ School of Physics & Astronomy; she is also creating publicly available libraries of PHANTOM stars for future TDE studies.

Supported by Syracuse’s undergraduate research office (SOURCE) alongside other fellowships like Young Research Fellowship; Fancher presented at multiple conferences including American Astronomical Society meetings where she was a Chambliss poster competition finalist.

Additionally involved locally through SURPh program mentoring high school students along with Friends Of Inkululeko working with South African learners; she emphasizes encouraging diverse backgrounds into STEM fields.

Fancher's extracurricular activities include playing alto saxophone with Syracuse Marching Band plus completing half marathons last fall.

She plans doctoral studies focusing on computational/analytical astrophysics aiming towards establishing an independent lab researching mechanisms behind observed transients using combined methodologies: "The mentoring that ASF provides will be invaluable..."

Established back in 1984 awarding initial seven scholarships honoring Mercury Seven astronauts ($1k each); ASF raised funds via speaking engagements led initially by surviving Mercury astronauts plus supporters including Gus Grissom’s widow Betty Grissom amongst others raising over $9m awarded across nearly eight hundred scholars thus far

Syracuse nominates two candidates annually interested parties should contact CFSA directly: cfsa@syr.edu or call 315-443-2759 further details available online

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