NASA grant helps Eriksen spread love for science

With support from NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Project, sophomore Anastasia Eriksen is spending her summer conducting research and educating Nebraskans at Branched Oak Observatory.

“Growing up, I was really into science and math,” Eriksen said. “My parents constantly took me to Morrill Hall. I remember visiting the museum and getting to talk to all these cool people who loved science, and it really rubbed off on me.”

Eriksen’s passion has earned her a grant through NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Project. These grants are awarded to students around the country who, like Eriksen, are eager to share their love for science with their broader communities. The grant is funding Eriksen’s internship at Branched Oak Observatory this summer, where she educates visitors on astronomy and conducts research at the facility.

Read the full article on news.unl.edu.

Author Credit: Matthew Strasburger | University Communication and Marketing

Image Credit: UNL | Nebraska Today

Original Post Date: July 25, 2025