University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa mechanical engineering fall 2024 graduate Sapphira Akins has been named a recipient of the 2024 Universities Space Research Association (USRA) Distinguished Undergraduate Award.
Akins, who specializes in aerospace engineering, was selected for the John R. Sevier Memorial Scholarship, which comes with a $5,000 award. The scholarship honors Sevier’s contributions to aerospace engineering.
“This scholarship provided me with the support I needed in order to complete my bachelor’s degree this semester,” Akins said. “Receiving this award reinforces my goal to continue studying what I’m passionate about and to pursue my dream of becoming a pilot and astronaut.”
Akins was the Outstanding Graduating Senior for mechanical engineering at the fall 2024 College of Engineering convocation and is in the BAM (bachelor’s and master’s) program working on her master’s degree.
“Sapphira’s award is really a strong recognition of the importance of the University of Hawaiʻi’s role in the whole space science and engineering initiative, and engineering’s role in building a stronger economic sector in Hawaiʻi and the workforce necessary to support that ecosystem, whether it is in ground-based astronomy, sending satellites into space, or helping to lead space missions far beyond our current reaches,” UH Mānoa College of Engineering Dean Brennon Morioka said. “UH has a lot to offer in this area and students like Sapphira are sure to be leaders going forward.”
In June 2024, Akins was part of a student group that was selected to launch their satellite into space as early as 2025 through NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative. And in 2023, Akins earned an opportunity to travel to Switzerland to learn more about advanced scientific detectors that helped her team build their satellite.
“My takeaway is never underestimate the importance of persistence and collaboration,” Akins said. “All of the research projects I’ve worked on have a strong team that is willing to work together to solve problems and generate solutions. Also, take opportunities that are new, exciting and outside your comfort zone. You’ll either gain an unforgettable story or create cherished memories that will inspire new passions and perspectives on your future.”
USRA awards recognize undergraduate juniors and seniors who demonstrate exceptional potential in space science and engineering. This year, the organization received 89 applications from 54 universities nationwide. Akins was one of five students chosen through a competitive selection process that evaluated candidates on academic achievements, leadership qualities, community outreach and innovative problem-solving abilities.
