UNA Students Receive Scholarships through Alabama Space Grant Consortium
Nov. 12, 2026
Michelle R. Eubanks , UNA, at meubanks@una.edu, 256.765.4392
FLORENCE, AL – Catherine Thuo, Hannah King, and Abigail Chiskowski, three University of North Alabama students, have received scholarships to support their academic and career goals through the Alabama Space Grant Consortium.
“We are extremely proud of our UNA students who have earned undergraduate scholarships through the ASCG,” said Dr. Matt Green, Associate Dean of the Spencer College of Education and Human Science and UNA Campus Director for the Consortium. “This recognition reflects their hard work and commitment to pursuing their educational and professional goals. These students represent talent, curiosity, and potential that make UNA such a special place, and we congratulate them on their well-deserved accomplishment.”
Catherine Thuo, a senior majoring in Computer Science in the Sanders College of Business and Technology, plans to pursue a master’s degree in computer science after graduating, with interest in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, automation, systems engineering, and software development.
“This scholarship will help offset some of my tuition costs,” she said. “More importantly, it supports my goal of sharing my love of computer science and STEM and inspiring students by showing them the endless opportunities in the field.”
Hannah King, a sophomore majoring in elementary education in the Spencer College, is on track to graduate in May 2028. She said she hopes to teach second grade and create a positive learning environment that encourages students to enjoy their education.
“This scholarship will help cover tuition and other college expenses as I work toward my degree,” Hannah said. “I really appreciate the support as I continue my education at UNA.”
Abigail Chiskowski, a senior majoring in elementary education in the Spencer College, plans to pursue a teaching career in grades K-6 before continuing her education through an online master’s program.
“This scholarship will not only give me the opportunity to continue my education by making it more accessible financially, but it also aids my future students by preparing me in my academic journey to be the best future teacher that I can be for them,” she said.
Scholarship support is a way the ASGC inspires the next generation of space explorers. Full-time students at universities in the consortium may apply for a research or teacher-education scholarship. Scholarships are competitive, requiring a minimum 3.0 grade point average, application, and a faculty letter of recommendation. Selections are made by the ASGC board of directors.
The ASGC was formed in 1989 as part of a NASA-driven initiative. Its vision includes increasing appreciation and leadership in space exploration and aerospace enterprises and inspiring, enabling, and educating Alabama students to take up careers in space science, aerospace technology, and allied fields.
About The University of North Alabama
The University of North Alabama, Alabama’s first four-year, state-chartered institution, is an accredited, comprehensive regional state university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs through the colleges of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering; the Sanders College of Business and Technology; the Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences; and the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions. Occupying a 130-acre campus in a residential section of Florence, Alabama, UNA is located within a four-city area that also includes Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. UNA Athletics, a renowned collegiate athletics program with seven (7) Division II National Championships, is now a proud member of NCAA Division I and United Athletic conference. The University of North Alabama is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate in the admission policy on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, or national origin. For more: www.una.edu and www.una.edu/unaworks/.