Two Auburn engineering students receive USRA Distinguished Undergraduate Award

Catherine Franco, a junior in electrical engineering, and Eirik Mulder, a senior double-majoring in aerospace engineering and computer science and software engineering, certainly qualify as distinguished. The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) agrees and has selected them both as 2025 USRA Distinguished Undergraduates.

Franco and Mulder are the first Auburn students to have received the award. They will each receive a certificate, an award letter and a $5,000 scholarship.

Franco is in her first semester at Auburn as a transfer student.

“My first semester here has already been incredibly rewarding,” she said. “I've especially enjoyed Auburn's strong culture. It's clear that students aren't just encouraged to chase opportunities here — they're supported in creating them.”

Although she’s majoring in electrical engineering, Franco said she is most passionate about applying her skills to the aerospace industry.

“One aspect I've always loved about electrical engineering is its versatility,” she said. “The rigor of the discipline really equips you with problem-solving skills that translate across industries and departments.”

She has taken her passion for aerospace into two internships at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, both as a Human Landing Systems (HLS) propulsion and software engineering intern.

“These internships have been some of the most influential seasons in my life so far and a dream come true,” Franco said. 

Franco said she’s passionate about propulsion research.

“The work I contributed this year has the potential to fundamentally improve the development pipeline for liquid rocket injectors through novel tools I built to automate first-order design and analysis,” she said. “To be recognized by leaders in the aerospace research community validated years of persistence, sacrifice, and resilience. More than anything, I hope my journey of overcoming adversity inspires others in similar circumstances to keep going.”

Despite double-majoring, Mulder has still found time to get involved on campus. He has been part of Auburn’s Rocketry Association as a structures lead, currently serves as technical advisor for the student-led small satellite program and is one of the lead researchers for the 3i Space Dynamics Laboratory.

Mulder said his favorite part of Auburn Engineering is the collaboration.

“My favorite part of doing engineering here is the people,” he said. “I get to work with other engineers in organizations and clubs, and I especially like helping younger students learn and collaborating with them on projects.”  

His specific interest is astrodynamics and spacecraft control.

“That would mean doing mission design and control for future missions to the moon or Mars,” he said.

Mulder, who was named a 2025 Astronaut Scholar by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation in June, said he was grateful for the USRA award.

“I was very excited when I found out,” he said. “The award means a lot, because it’s a sign of support and an indication that the work I’m doing is valuable. I’m very thankful.”

Mulder also said he is honored to be one of the first Auburn students to have received the award.

“Getting to represent both the aerospace and computer science departments is very cool,” he said. “I’m always happy and honored to be a part of upholding Auburn’s reputation as a top engineering school.”

The USRA Distinguished Undergraduate Awards honor students who exemplify academic excellence, innovation, and leadership. Beyond their impressive scholarly achievements, this year’s honorees have demonstrated remarkable resilience and perseverance—overcoming personal challenges to pursue their passion for discovery and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of STEM disciplines.

“The recipients of this award inspire us all with their dedication and accomplishments thus far,” said Elsayed Talaat, President and CEO of USRA. “By celebrating their achievements, we look ahead to the impact they will have on their fields and the advancements they will bring to science and technology. Congratulations to the 2025 Award winners.”

Selected through a rigorous and competitive process, these students are recognized not only for their academic achievements but also for their innovative problem-solving skills, leadership qualities, and commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in science and engineering.

This year, USRA received 170 applications from over 71 universities, a substantial increase from last year. Representatives from the USRA Council of Institutions, along with faculty from USRA member universities, carefully reviewed all applications. Their recommendations were then shared with the USRA President for final selection.

Students are evaluated based on stated career goals and accomplishments, leadership qualities, outreach to their communities, and strengths such as initiative, creativity, and perseverance. Recommendation letters from their professors and internship advisors also play a significant role in the review.