NC A&T Students Selected as 2026 Astronaut Scholars
EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Sept. 14, 2026) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University undergraduates Victoria Little and Avery C. Love have been awarded the 2026 Astronaut Scholar distinction, recognizing them as some of the nation’s top students in STEM fields.
Both students are members of the Honors College within the College of Science and Technology (CoST) and are also Cheatham-White Scholars. Their selection highlights their academic excellence, leadership, and impactful research, continuing N.C. A&T’s tradition of success.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation aims to support the best STEM students, helping maintain U.S. leadership in science and technology. The scholarship provides up to $15,000 in academic support, exclusive networking opportunities, mentorship from astronauts and scientists, and participation in the Innovators Symposium and Gala.
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Victoria Little, from Greensboro, is a senior pursuing dual degrees in biology and psychology. Under the mentorship of Dr. Antoinette Maldonado-Devincci, she researches neuromodulatory signaling, focusing on tumor behavior and the neurological effects linked to cancer treatments. She also interned at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, studying glioblastoma in response to immunotherapy.
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Avery C. Love, from Harrisburg, is a senior studying chemistry with a biology minor. He previously received the Astronaut Scholar distinction in 2025. Under Dr. Thomas Forshaw’s mentorship, he develops methods to analyze organoids to understand metabolic processes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. His research has included prestigious work at Yale University and the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Their achievements underscore N.C. A&T’s robust academic ecosystem. Dr. Margaret I. Kanipes, Honors College Dean, commended their accomplishments as a testament to the support structures at the university. Dr. Abdellah Ahmidouch, CoST Dean, emphasized the college’s dedication to fostering research careers and STEM leadership.
Both students have presented their findings at national conferences and participated in competitive summer research programs, setting them up for future success in graduate school and scientific careers.
Dr. Gerard Dumancas, associate dean of research at the Honors College, highlighted the university’s commitment to transformative academic experiences. He encourages eligible students to pursue national scholarships and fellowships, including the Astronaut Scholarship. Interested candidates may contact Dumancas at ggdumancas@ncat.edu.
