Universities Space Research Association Honors Two UC Davis Undergraduates
The Universities Space Research Association, or USRA, named Aidan Guerra, a fourth-year mechanical engineering and aerospace science and engineering double major at the University of California, Davis, to the class of 2025 Distinguished Undergraduate Award winners.
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 Dr. Elsayed Talaat, President and CEO of USRA, a nonprofit corporation chartered to advance space-related science, technology and engineering. “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.”
Guerra is one of seven students selected through a rigorous and competitive process from 170 applicants from over 70 universities. Guerra and his peers 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. Fellow mechanical engineering and aerospace science and engineering double major Shreya Chandra was among five students to receive an honorable mention.
Guerra was awarded the Frederick A. Tarantino Memorial Scholarship, which recognizes the late Tarantino, who served as USRA president and CEO from 2006 to 2014, for his contributions to USRA and his dedication to furthering the education of young scientists and engineers in space science-related fields.
The 2025 Distinguished Undergraduate Award recipients represent the next generation of pioneers who will help shape the future of scientific discovery and exploration. With their creativity, courage and commitment to exploration, they represent the best of what’s to come — the future innovators who will propel humanity’s understanding of the universe forward.
