Four University of Iowa students have been named Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) Undergraduate Research Scholars for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eight outstanding undergraduate students across the state were awarded this honor to pursue STEM research projects that align with NASA’s mission.
The University of Iowa students include:

Mallory Weber, an undergraduate student in Physics, Astronomy, and Math. Her research project, titled “Quantum Efficiency Characterization of CMOS Sensors for Soft X-ray Observations,” focuses on examining the performance of commercial CMOS sensors for use in soft X-ray observations and their potential as low-cost alternatives to CCD sensors. "This scholarship is very meaningful to me because it allows me to put more of my focus on my research, as well as providing another deadline (the spring symposium) to keep myself on track amidst my changing school schedule," she said. Her research mentor is Casey DeRoo. To learn more about Mallory's research, visit: https://www.iaspacegrant.org/portfolio/mallory-weber-university-of-iowa/.

Brendyn Little, an undergraduate student in Physics and Astronomy. His research project, titled “Revisiting Stellar Populations of Low-Extinction Fields in the Galactic Bulge,” focuses on improving our understanding of the Milky Way’s structure by studying clearer lines of sight into the Galactic Bulge. “The Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship is a tremendous financial blessing. I am extremely grateful for the support of the wonderful people at the ISGC, as well as my colleagues and mentors at the University of Iowa. This support motivates me to continue working with Dr. Nataf and investing more energy into my classes.” To learn more about Brendyn's research, visit: https://www.iaspacegrant.org/portfolio/brendyn-little-university-of-iowa/

Braden Carne, an undergraduate student in Physics, Astronomy, and Math, is working on a research project titled "Electron Behavior Across the Alfvén Surface: Recent Findings from Parker Solar Probe.” Working with Prof. Jasper Halekas, Carne’s research focuses on electron behavior across the Alfvén critical point and if/how they deviate from expected behavior. He will use results from Parker Solar Probe using the SWEAP (Solar Wind Electrons, Protons, and Alphas) instrument suite and perform statistical and numerical analyses and calculations. “The Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship is a tremendous financial blessing. I am extremely grateful for the support of the wonderful people at the ISGC, as well as my colleagues and mentors at the University of Iowa. This support motivates me to continue working with Dr. Halekas and investing more energy into my classes,” he said. See https://www.iaspacegrant.org/portfolio/braden-carne-university-of-iowa/ to learn more about his research.

Emily Formella, an undergraduate student in Biomedical Engineering. Her research project, titled "The Role of Mechanotransduction Pathways in Chorioretinal Cell Response to Simulated Microgravity,” focuses on examining how simulated microgravity impacts gene expression in ocular cells and the role of mechanotransduction signaling in this response. “I look forward to applying my laboratory and cell culture experience to pioneer studies that explore connections between space exploration and cellular engineering," she said. Her research mentor is Kristan Worthington. See https://www.iaspacegrant.org/portfolio/emily-formella-university-of-iowa/ for more information.

See https://www.iaspacegrant.org/student-projects/undergraduate-projects/ for descriptions of all the 2025-26 undergraduate research projects.