Congratulations to second-year physical therapy student Debra Neth Swaim for receiving the honorable Columbia Crew Memorial Scholarship, named in memory of the seven Space Shuttle Columbia astronauts who were killed in 2003.
The Texas Space Grant Consortium, and the Aviation and Space Foundation of Texas partnered with NASA to create the scholarship that provides support for high-achieving students. Each year, twenty-nine individuals receive the scholarship that is intended to encourage students to consider graduate studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The Texas Space Grant Consortium is a group of 35 institutions which include universities, industrial organizations, non-profit organizations and government agencies within Texas. It is headquartered at The University of Texas at Austin, one of its three primary space grant colleges.
“I feel grateful and humbled to be selected,” Swaim said. “I am one of many who applied for this scholarship that is in memory of those individuals who paid the ultimate sacrifice to explore Space. To be selected is a great privilege. I sincerely appreciate the aid it provides in funding my education.”
Until Swaim learned about the Health Science Center’s physical therapy program, she had planned to attend veterinary school.
“Now, my greatest goal is to become a physical therapist that is compassionate, knowledgeable, professional and successful,” she said. “I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I will be a lifelong learner to help ensure quality care for each patient and I’m so thankful for this scholarship that will assist me in pursuing my dream.”
