By Naomi Pequette

Members of the Van Nattan-Hansen Scholarship Committee are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2019 VNH Scholarship are Ryan Webster of the University of Arizona, Anna Maxey of Red Rocks Community College, and Daniel Percuoco-Poras of the University of Colorado, Boulder.

The Denver Astronomical Society’s Van Nattan-Hansen Scholarship program provides support for graduating high school students and undergraduate college students majoring in astronomy and the physical sciences. The award was established in 1973 in memory of William R. Van Nattan, one of the founders of the Denver Astronomical Society, and Charles Hansen whose bequest greatly helped to support the fund. Since its inception, more than 30 students have been supported by it.

Ryan Webster is entering his senior year at the University of Arizona, where he is majoring in astronomy with a minor in physics. This is the second year that Ryan has received the VNH Scholarship. In addition to his course work, Ryan continued his work at the Steward Observatory as a Large Binocular Telescope Adaptive Optics Specialist.

“[Ryan’s work is] critical to the operations of one of the most advanced adaptive optics systems in the world on the largest optical telescope in the world,” said Dr. Steve Ertel, an associate researcher at the Steward Observatory.

This summer, Ryan is pursing research at Texas A&M through a National Science Foundation-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates internship. He is using astrometry data from the Gaia Space Observatory to determine the orbits of dwarf galaxies around the Milky Way, which will help astronomers gain better insight to the distribution of dark matter around the Milky Way as well as how dwarf galaxies evolve over time. He will be presenting his findings at the upcoming winter meeting of the American Astronomical Society.

Anna Maxey is currently a student at Red Rocks Community College, where she is working toward an associate degree in science, with a physics designation. Though just started her journey to becoming an astronomer, she has had a life-long passion for the stars. She fell in love with astronomy looking up in wonder at the Milky Way under dark skies from her childhood home. Upon receiving her associate degree, she plans to transfer to the University of Colorado, where she will pursue a degree in astrophysics.

Anna is also a Denver Astronomical Society member and is currently in training to become a telescope operator at Chamberlin Observatory. David Shouldice, another member of DAS, said she is one of the most enthusiastic and driven trainees he has had the pleasure to work with.

Daniel Percuoco-Poras will be starting his freshman year at the University of Colorado, Boulder this fall, where he will be majoring in Physics and Astrophysics. Daniel graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arvada West High School where he focused on STEM coursework to get him closer to his dream of becoming an astrophysicist.

“Daniel is one of the most resilient and multi-faceted students I have ever had in my career. His story of overcoming odds in his academic prowess is given meaning by his pure, humble and honest character, said Christyn Keyler, a teacher at Arvada West High School.

The committee said also that this year’s pool of applicants was especially strong and they are excited to be able to support these students as they pursue their dreams and begin their astronomy careers.