Henry Kopp Awarded Astronaut Scholarship
The Department of Mechanical Engineering is proud to announce that Henry Kopp, a Mechanical Engineering undergraduate student, has been awarded a 2026-27 Astronaut Scholarship.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is an initiative of the Mercury 7 astronauts to promote studies in math, science, and engineering. The award provides up to $15,000 in tuition support, mentorship from academic and industry executives, and exclusive professional development opportunities. Astronaut Scholarships are uniquely awarded to students at universities with historic ties to the U.S. space program. This year, ASF awarded 79 scholarships to students from 54 universities across the nation. Kopp is one of three University of Minnesota students to receive the scholarship.
Donald “Deke” Slayton, one of the Mercury 7 founders, graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1949 with a degree in aeronautical engineering. As a result of this legacy, the University remains an original partner of the foundation, with 45 University of Minnesota students having been named Astronaut Scholars since 1995.
Kopp has built a diverse and impressive record of research and leadership during his time at the University of Minnesota. For the past two years, he has worked with Professor Jun Li in the Department of Mechanical Engineering on the development and testing of mixed matrix polymer membranes for carbon capture. He has also conducted research in Directed Energy Deposition metal 3D printing through a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Northwestern University, and is currently participating in a co-op developing cardiac implant technology at Boston Scientific.
Beyond the laboratory, Kopp has been a member of the University’s Solar Vehicle Project for three years, currently serving as Director of Operations, where he manages all sponsor relationships and finances and serves as Team Manager for the 2025 World Solar Challenge in Australia. He is also a competitive figure skater who represents the University at the collegiate level, including as a two-time competitor at collegiate nationals, and served as co-president of the University’s figure skating club for the 2024–25 school year. Kopp plans to complete graduate studies with an emphasis on applications of new materials in medicine, with aspirations to lead the development of new medical device technologies and businesses.
Reflecting on the recognition and what it means for his path ahead, Kopp shares:
“I am extremely honored to receive the Astronaut Scholarship in recognition of my accomplishments as a student, engineer, researcher, and leader. I am very grateful for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s recognition and support. This award would not have been possible without the support of my research advisor and nominator for this award Dr. Jun Li, my incredible SVP teammates and our advisor Dr. David Orser, the many Mechanical Engineering faculty whose courses have helped me develop my scientific knowledge and engineering skills, and the constant support of my family and friends. Receiving this scholarship will help me focus more time during my senior year on my research, continuing to explore the cutting edge of membrane technology while gaining skills that will make me successful in graduate school and beyond.”