USC Student Wins Biggest Scholarship in Science and Engineering

Simca Bouma, Senior in Mathematics and Physics, to Receive Astronaut Scholarship; First USC Student so Honored

WHAT:    A USC senior will be presented with a $10,000 scholarship from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.

WHO: Simca Bouma, USC student and scholarship winner
            Jerry Carr, USC alumnus and US Astronaut Hall of Fame inductee

WHEN: Monday, October 3, at 5 p.m.

WHERE:  Taper Hall of Humanities, room 101
             3501 Trousdale Parkway
             Los Angeles, CA 90089

WHY:  Skylab astronaut Jerry Carr will present USC student Simica Bouma with the Astronaut Scholarship, the largest monetary award given in the United States to science and engineering undergraduate students based solely on merit.

           This is the first year an Astronaut Scholar has been selected at USC. Bouma, a senior majoring in mathematics and physics, plans to pursue a doctorate in theoretical physics after she earns her undergraduate degree.

           “Simca is a clear leader in mathematics and physics at the University of Southern California,” Carr says. “She is a prime example of everything an Astronaut Scholar is supposed to be: intelligent, perseverant and destined for greatness. As a Trojan, I am especially proud to have the opportunity to present this award to such a worthy USC student.”

          At the award ceremony, Carr will also share his experiences of spending more than 84 days living and working in space on the Skylab 4 mission. The lecture is free and open to the public.