Arianna McCarty reaches new heights with Astronaut Scholarship
Arianna McCarty, achemical and biological engineering senior, has distinguished herself through a remarkable combination of three top academic and research achievements.
Most recently McCarty received the 2025 scholarship from the (ASF), an organization founded by the Mercury 7 astronauts and supported by successive generations of NASA astronauts. She previously earned the Boettcher Scholarship, fully funding her for four years of undergraduate study at a Colorado university, as well as theGoldwater Scholarship, awarded to sophomores and juniors actively conducting research in mathematics, science and engineering.
Astronaut scholars are awarded up to $15,000 per year for education-related expenses and may be awarded for up to two years of undergraduate work. The merit-based ASF scholarship is the largest known monetary award of its kind given in the United States to science and engineering undergraduate students.
What does this newest award mean to you?
Receiving the astronaut scholarship has been one of the most meaningful honors of my academic journey because it recognizes my technical and research accomplishments and connects me to an extraordinary community. The other astronaut scholars are some of the most inspiring, passionate and driven people I’ve ever met, and many have become close friends.
What research have you been involved in?
My research journey began in high school, when I worked with the Layer Lab at the BioFrontiers Institute to study computational genomics. Later, thanks to the support of the Boettcher Foundation, I joined The Clark Lab at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, where I explored the respiratory microbiome and investigated how native bacteria in the respiratory tract can protect against pathogens. Most recently, I joined theBurdick Biomaterials and Biofabrication Laboratory in theDepartment of Chemical and Biological Engineering (ChBE) through theYoung Scholars Summer Research Program led by Distinguished ProfessorRobert Davis.
What:Meet astronaut Joe Tanner, a four-time astronaut who flew aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Discovery, Endeavour and Atlantis again.
Arianna McCarty, a chemical and biological engineering senior, will be honored as an astronaut scholar at this event.
When: Thursday, Nov. 6, 4:30 p.m.
Where:UMC 386 (Aspen Room)
My work focuses on engineering heart tissues to model focal cardiac fibrosis, a condition in which the heart wall stiffens, impairing cardiac function and potentially leading to heart failure. By replicating this disease in the lab, we aim to better understand its mechanisms and evaluate potential therapeutics to advance treatment options.
Which organizations, clubs or volunteer work are you engaged in?
As a course assistant for multiple core ChBE courses, I work to make challenging material more accessible, developing recitations and creating custom practice resources to support student success. I also serve as a peer ambassador for the department, collaborating with faculty to enhance courses and expand departmental programming. Beyond engineering, I find balance performing in theatrical productions, playing a variety of instruments and authoring a collection of haiku. I also stay engaged through the Boettcher Foundation, a philanthropic foundation dedicated to strengthening Colorado by fostering the potential of its residents.
What accomplishment are you most proud of academically?
I'm most proud of my growth as a scientist, learning to ask the right questions and design research aimed at real-world impact. From studying the respiratory microbiome to engineering heart tissues, I've developed both the technical skills and scientific curiosity to contribute meaningfully to human health.
What has been your biggest challenge during your engineering education?
One of the biggest challenges in my engineering education has been learning to say “no.” I’ve always been deeply curious and eager to take on new opportunities. But, I’ve come to understand time as the most valuable resource, and how we choose to spend it defines the quality of our work and growth.
Arianna McCarty presenting her research at the 2024 American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) annual meeting in San Diego.
What’s next?
I'm applying to PhD programs in bioengineering, with a focus on research at the intersection of tissue engineering and immunoengineering. I am particularly interested in exploring how the immune system and other biological systems, such as the microbiome, can be leveraged to support wound healing and tissue regeneration. Ultimately, I hope to become a professor at an R1 research university, where I can lead a lab pursuing novel research in this area and continue mentoring students—a role I’ve come to deeply enjoy through my experiences as a course assistant.
Anything else you would like to add or share?
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported and believed in me along the way. In particular, I want to thank Kenneth M. Monks, PhD, Assistant Professor Ryan Layer, Assistant Professor Sarah Clark, ProfessorJason Burdick and my brother, Bryan. Their trust, mentorship and encouragement have meant more to me than words can express.