In 2013, the University of Colorado Boulder established the Charles A. Barth scholarship for undergraduate space research to honor Dr. Barth’s lasting legacy of teaching and mentoring of the next generation of space researchers. Barth served as the director of the university’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) from 1965 to 1992, and under his guidance, LASP sent science instruments to every planet in the solar system. In addition to having a long and productive research career, Barth left a lasting legacy through his teaching and mentoring, through which he generously shared his knowledge and passion for space exploration with hundreds of CU students. Barth was committed to hands-on education and training that included students in every step of a research project or NASA mission, a novel approach that continues at LASP to this day. Each year, the scholarship supports several undergraduate students with focused studies in space research. This year, the scholarship was awarded to six outstanding CU Boulder undergraduate students.
2025 Awardees
Jaden Fitzpatrick (Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences’26) is working with LASP research associate Naomi Maruyama. They are investigating the erosion and refilling of the Earth’s plasmasphere after a solar storm through model simulations of plasma and neutral atoms. “When I joined LASP a year ago, I never would have imagined the kind of researcher I have grown into today. I sincerely appreciate the support of my advisor and others at LASP, and I hope to make you all proud as I use the tools you have equipped me with to pursue a career in research,” said Fitzpatrick.
Maya Nussbaumer (Astrophysics and Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology/minor in Biochemistry’26) is working with Paul Hayne, LASP research associate and CU Boulder assistant professor of astrophysical and planetary sciences. They are using Galileo NIMS data of Europa’s surface composition to determine relative rates of darkening between the trailing and leading hemisphere, as well as the age of Pwyll crater. “I am so grateful for the experience of working at LASP. I have learned so much more by doing research than I would have just by getting my degree,” said Nussbaumer.
Grace Fuller (Astrophysics’26) is working with LASP senior researcher Fran Bagenal. They are using data from NASA’s Juno mission to investigate and further characterize the relationship between solar wind dynamic pressure and the shape and size of Jovian magnetospheric boundaries. “The opportunity to work at LASP has been invaluable. I am so incredibly grateful to my mentor, Fran, and my group for all their support, and I have grown so much as a student and a researcher during my time here,” said Fuller
John Denton (Astrophysics and Anthropology/minor in Space Physics’26) is working with both LASP research associate and CU Boulder professor David Brain and LASP research associate and CU Boulder assistant professor Lauren Blum. They are using mass spectroscopy data from the STATIC instrument on the MAVEN spacecraft to survey the minor ion species escaping from the Martian bow shock. In addition, they are modelling a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit with and without an electrondynamic satellite tether as a deorbit option. “Working at LASP has given me hope for my career in the space industry. I suffer from impostor syndrome but being able to produce real scientific results at a space research institution has given me confidence in myself and my abilities. Thank you to my amazing mentors providing constant guidance and support along the way,” said Denton.
Amelia Gandhi (Astrophysics and Geophysics/certificate in Native American Studies’26) is working with LASP researcher and CU Boulder professor Nick Schneider. They are categorizing and describing second to minute-scale variations in Martian aurora to then determine potential drivers behind them, ultimately helping us better understand how Mars’ magnetosphere behaves at these short timescales. “I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to work with such a talented team at LASP. The support and trust my team gives me not only teaches me how to be a good scientist, but also how to be a better person. I hope to carry all that LASP has given me forward into the future,” said Gandhi.
CJ O’Neill (Aerospace Engineering Sciences/minor in Planetary Sciences’26) is working with LASP engineer Michael Bonnici. They are simulating spacecraft dynamics and attitude mechanics for the upcoming Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) to determine solar array pointing attitude, describe instrumentation pointing accuracy, and verify orbit dynamics models. “My time at LASP will extend more than three out of four years of my undergraduate degree. This opportunity has not just added to my education but was as fundamental as the time spent in class. My mentors have supported me through key turning points in my life and will serve as role models for the rest of my career. I am incredibly grateful for everything LASP has given me,” said O’Neill.
Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder (LASP) is revolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of space explorers. From the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth’s upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the solar system, LASP continues to build on its remarkable history with a nearly $1 billion portfolio of new research and engineering programs.
