Astronaut scholar stays grounded

Nicholas Reichert, the University of Washington's recipient of a $10,000 scholarship from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, is surprisingly down-to-earth.

The scholarship, which was awarded to 18 science and engineering students throughout the nation this year, is not just for those who are interested in space exploration.

"Our goal is to inspire renewed interest in science and engineering careers here in the United States," said scholarship chair and Apollo 15 astronaut Al Worden in a statement. "We are committed to encouraging the next generation of explorers. Our nation is strongest when we lead the world in innovation and invention."

Reichert, a senior mathematics major, is committed to the exploration of practical earthly questions.

Reichert's areas of interest are geometry and analysis. Through research programs and mathematical modeling competitions, he has found ways to apply mathematics to real problems, such as flooding and irrigation. He hopes to continue such work in consulting.

"There are problems in business and other fields where using systematic types of math can be quite useful," he said.

Reichert's long-term goals include attending graduate school, becoming a math professor and continuing to work with math in everyday situations. Although an astronaut scholar, he remains deeply concerned with life on this planet.

"Eventually," he said, "I'd like to use math to preserve the environment, because I spend a lot of time outdoors with my family, and that's just been a really positive thing for me."