Astronaut and former NASA leader Charlie Bolden, far left, and Astronaut Scholarship Foundation President and CEO Caroline Schumacher, far right, pose for a photo with Astronaut Scholars, left to right, C. Marcel Buford (former), Miranda McBride (former), Breyana Robinson (current), Kennedy West (current), and Adero Paige, following N.C. A&T’s Astronaut Scholars Awards ceremony at Beasley Auditorium in Frye Hall.
Astronaut Charlie Bolden, left, presents N.C. A&T Astronaut Scholar Breyana Robinson with a certificate at Beasley Auditorium in Frye Hall. Student Kennedy West also was recognized as an Astronaut Scholar at the event.
In 2023, Breyana Robinson was the first student from the College of Agriculture and Animal Sciences to receive the prestigious Astronaut Scholarship. One year later, Robinson has done it again.
In 2024, the senior laboratory animal sciences major was awarded again – making her one of two N.C. A&T students to be named a 2024 Astronaut Scholar from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation; Robinson’s latest scholarship makes her the first female-identifying Aggie and third student overall to receive the scholarship twice.
“This achievement reflects the dedication and support of my mentors, as well as the strength of N.C. A&T’s research community,” said Robinson. “I hope it inspires other students to pursue their passions fearlessly and push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit founded in 1984 by the surviving Mercury 7 astronauts, provides more than 60 scholarships annually to the most academically accomplished undergraduate second- and third-year students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) intent on pursuing research or advancing their fields upon graduating.
Veteran NASA astronaut Charlie Bolden, who has logged more than 680 hours in space and commanded or piloted the space shuttle four times, was the keynote speaker at the awards ceremony.
When asked about what his favorite thing about space was, Bolden referenced a photo of the Middle East taken from space – noting that there are no boundaries. “It is getting to see the planet from a totally different perspective, and being reminded that we are all one people, with one purpose,” Bolden said. “And that if we put our minds to it, we can live and work together in harmony a lot better (we’re) able to do today.”
A graduating senior, Robinson enrolled in CAES in 2021 after receiving her associate’s degree at Dallas College. Since then, she has taken on numerous academic roles, including an active term as president of the college’s Pre-Veterinary Medical Association. In addition to the Astronaut Scholarship, Robinson is also a Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy Scholar, a Diversity in Veterinary Medicine Coalition Scholar, and an Undergraduate Research Scholar, studying ruminal acidosis in beef cattle in Uchene Anele, Ph.D.’s ruminant nutrition lab.
“Receiving this prestigious award has broadened my horizons and connections in the scientific community, focused my graduate school plans, and motivated my research,” said Robinson. “Earning the Astronaut Scholarship has brought greater attention to my research and motivated me to continue my work to release a journal article this academic year. I now have articles in several research magazines dedicated to the work that I’ve done to solve the cattle industry’s million-dollar headache, acidosis.”
“We are incredibly proud of Breyana Robinson for her achievements earning the prestigious Astronaut Scholarship for the second consecutive year,” said Radiah Minor Ph.D. chair of the Department of Animal Sciences. “Her achievement not only highlights her exceptional dedication to animal science and research but also paves the way for future Aggies to strive for excellence. Breyana’s success is an excellent example of the outstanding talent and innovation within our department and university.”
Along with Robinson, Kennedy West, an undergraduate chemistry researcher in the College of Science and Technology and a fellow Honors College student, was also named a 2024 Astronaut Scholar. Both Robinson and West each received up to $15,000 for eligible educational expenses and lifelong engagement with astronauts, executives, STEM researchers and innovators, Astronaut Scholar alumni and the Astronaut Scholars Foundation.
“The Honors College is thrilled that two of our brightest students, Breyana Robinson and Kennedy West, have received national acknowledgement from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation,” said Margaret I. Kanipes, Ph.D., dean of the Honors College. “This scholarship is a reflection of both of these students’ academic prowess and commitment in their respective programs and a highlight they will carry beyond their college pursuits at North Carolina A&T State University.”
“ASF is continually honored to partner with North Carolina A&T State University,” said Caroline Schumacher, president and CEO of ASF. “Since the beginning of our partnership in 1994, we have selected 20 exceptional students, including Breyana and Kennedy, to receive 23 Astronaut Scholarships. These brilliant minds are leaders in varying STEM disciplines and are truly making a positive impact on our world. We look forward to welcoming more students from N.C. A&T into the 2025 class of Astronaut Scholars and beyond.”
In addition to her latest Astronaut Scholarship, Robinson received the Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence during the 2025 Student Honors Convocation; the Chancellor’s Award is given to an undergraduate student who excels academically and demonstrates strong leadership, community service, involvement in the arts or athletics, and career achievement.
“It means a lot to win the Chancellor’s Award; I am grateful to be able to represent the College of Ag at the college level and, to quote Dr. Antoine Alston, put the A in A&T!” said Robinson.
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