Gabriel Lopez wins AIAA Diversity Scholarship

Second-year Aerospace Engineering student Gabriel Lopez was awarded the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Diversity Scholarship earlier this month. The prize includes an all-expense paid trip to one of the world’s largest aerospace R&D conferences. 

Given to less than 20 students nationwide annually, the AIAA Diversity Scholars Program is aimed at proving opportunities for underrepresented minority students who are pursuing a degree in aerospace, according to the AIAA website.  

“When I applied I didn’t really think I’d be selected,” said Lopez. “It’s a really exciting opportunity.” 

Lopez, a Long Beach native, will be heading to the AIAA SciTech Forum in Orlando, Fla. In Jan., his first time outside the state. Thousands of aerospace professionals from around the world will descend on conference halls for exhibits, talks and demonstrations.  

“The scholarship covers literally everything. I hope to expand my network and learn a lot—just overall, it’s a great step in my career,” said Lopez. “So much sounds interesting. Because my research is in combustion and propellants, I will try to go to all of those, but there’s other ones like aircraft and AI.” 

A participant in CSULB’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, working with Associate Professor Joe Kalman on a study aimed at validating a computational model for rocket nozzle erosion. Lopez credits Kalman with recommending he apply to the scholarship. 

“He is extremely motivated and takes initiative. He’s always think forward and about the big picture,” said Kalman, “Awards like the AIAA Diversity scholarship are not just given to someone that is nominated; students must take time and thought in preparing the application.” 

Aerospace engineering was something Lopez was first exposed to in high school, getting interested in the physics behind aircraft and spacecraft. Another reason he continues to find himself interested in aerospace is the strong local connection. 

“Aerospace is expanding exponentially in Long Beach and it’d be nice to be a part of that,” explained Lopez. Besides participating in the UROP, Lopez interns for a local aerospace firm. 

Often dubbed Space Beach, the city continues to be a hub for the industry, with the Mayor celebrating the arrival of two new aerospace companies earlier this month.  

Lopez will return for the spring semester to continue his studies, his research and his career pursuits, now as an AIAA Diversity Scholar. 

“The benefit of this opportunity is that he will be able to attend an international conference where he will get an idea of research that is done in industry and from graduate students,” said Kalman. “Obviously, there will be a lot of science to learn by attending talks, but I think the most important part is the exposure to new ideas, people, and networking opportunities.”