Emma Godwin, a graduate student in mechanical engineering, has been named the winner of the 2025 ORED Rising Star competition.
The competition, hosted by the Office for Research and Economic Development in partnership with the UA Graduate School, recognizes an outstanding graduate student working in fields connected to aerospace, space exploration, or national security.
Godwin was selected from a highly competitive pool of graduate students for her exceptional academic record and professional contributions to the aerospace and national security sectors. As the 2025 ORED Rising Star, she will receive a $500 cash award and a sponsored seat at the prestigious 37th Annual Wernher von Braun Memorial Dinner, often called “Space Prom,” in Huntsville, Alabama, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. She will join UA leaders and friends for a unique networking opportunity with industry leaders, government officials, and academics from the national aerospace community.
Godwin’s doctoral research focuses on developing a novel deformable mirror actuation mechanism for adaptive optics systems, a critical technology for next-generation space telescopes aimed at imaging habitable exoplanets. She is among the top graduate students in the mechanical engineering program.
“The Rising Star Competition recognizes talented graduate students who directly contribute to Alabama’s vital role in space exploration and national defense,” said Dr. Bryan Boudouris, vice president for research and economic development. “We are thrilled for Emma Godwin to represent UA at one of the aerospace industry’s premier events.”