UND student wins national honor as University’s first Astronaut Scholar
Scholars gain access to astronauts, industry leaders, researchers and innovators to support academic and professional growth
University of North Dakota student Casia Steinhaus has been selected as a 2026 Astronaut Scholar, becoming the first student in university history to receive the national award.
Steinhaus, an incoming senior double majoring in physics and mathematics, was selected by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation as part of its 2026 class of Astronaut Scholars. This year’s cohort includes 79 students from 54 colleges and universities across the United States.
The Astronaut Scholarship is awarded to exceptional undergraduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Scholars are recognized for outstanding academic achievement, research accomplishments, leadership and potential to advance innovation in their fields.
“Each new class of Astronaut Scholars represents the future of innovation and discovery,” said Colleen Middlebrooks, president and CEO of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. “The 2026 Astronaut Scholars have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, curiosity and leadership, and we are proud to support them as they continue pursuing breakthroughs that will shape the future of STEM.”
Steinhaus is the first UND student to earn the honor since the scholarship program was established in 1984 by the six surviving members of the Mercury 7 astronaut team.
Distinguished scholarship — and marksmanship
At UND, Steinhaus has distinguished herself through her academic excellence and commitment to scientific research. She has built an impressive record of achievement over the past year, earning multiple nationally competitive honors, including the Goldwater Scholarship, a U.S. Department of Energy Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and a DAAD RISE Professional award. She was also recognized as a semifinalist for the Brooke Owens Fellowship.
But Steinhaus also excels in another aspect of North Dakota life: competitive shooting. Growing up on a farm outside of Devils Lake, N.D., she honed her skills in 4-H shooting sports. She began competitive shooting at age 8 and qualified for the Junior Olympics by age 12.
In recent years, she has competed and won at elite levels, including at the Individual Smallbore Rifle Intercollegiate Club National Championships, where she took first place overall in both 2024 and 2025 and won the 2026 Air Rifle national championship earlier this year.
“Casia’s enthusiasm for learning, whether engaging in research or striving for a top finish in competitive small-bore rifle shooting, knows no bounds,” said Yee Han Chu UND’s academic support and fellowship opportunities coordinator. “She brings an extraordinary level of commitment and excellence to every pursuit.”
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation provides financial support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for the nation’s top STEM students. Scholars also gain access to a network of astronauts, industry leaders, researchers, and innovators who help support their academic and professional growth.
