The University of Central Florida (UCF) has announced that three of its students have been named recipients of the 2025 Astronaut Scholarship, a prestigious award established by surviving members of the Mercury Seven astronauts to promote leadership in STEM fields. UCF is one of only three universities nationwide with three winners this year: Keanu Brayman, Kyle Coutray, and Sun Latt.
Keanu Brayman, a mechanical engineering student and Burnett Honors Scholar, described his journey to space research as shaped by curiosity and family support. “Space exploration is a broad topic,” he says, “and I want to understand everything — the development of the spacecraft, sending it, landing it and discovering with it.” He recounted how early encouragement from his parents helped him pursue science interests despite financial challenges. His work at UCF includes designing 3D printed housings for optical vision systems in space applications and advancing rover wheel testbeds for lunar conditions. “My overarching goal is to help humans become multi-planetary, with enough sustained lunar infrastructure to take us further into space,” Brayman said.
Brayman credits his mother’s encouragement for helping him overcome obstacles. “It was hard for my mom when I left home,” he said after earning an Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship. He also founded the Society of Innovation and Neurodiversity in Engineering at UCF.
Kyle Coutray, a senior studying computer engineering and biomedical sciences as well as being a Burnett Honors Scholar, emphasized persistence over innate talent. “I truly have the world’s best parents,” he says. “They always encouraged me to push my limits to become the best version of myself. I also believe God blessed me with a healthy mind that I can stretch to make a difference for others.” A formative experience witnessing a neighbor’s accident led him toward neuroscience research aimed at developing assistive technologies that restore function for people with disabilities.
“Some say space is the final frontier. I believe it’s the brain, with its 100 trillion connections. Exploring it will take the same spirit of discovery that drives us to the stars, and the Astronaut Scholarship fuels my own spirit to make the next discoveries,” Coutray said.
Sun Latt, another recipient who studies biomedical sciences and is also a Burnett Honors Scholar, has received several honors including last spring’s Goldwater Scholarship and recognition as an Order of Pegasus recipient. Latt works on nanomedicine research focused on healing bone injuries more effectively using novel nanoparticles in orthopedic implants; these dissolve without releasing toxins while accelerating recovery times.
“It’s been surreal and I’m thankful beyond words,” Latt said about receiving multiple scholarships this year. For his undergraduate thesis he leads work on delivering medicine via nanobubbles—an approach he hopes will find future applications in space medicine as well.
“I’ve been challenging myself for three reasons; To become a good scientist, to make sure my mentors and the people who’ve supported me are not let down, and so I can be the best mentor possible in the future,” Latt stated.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation selected 74 juniors and seniors from 51 universities across America this year.
