The NASA Space Tech Catalyst prize recognizes HPU Assistant Professor Arif Rahman’s dedication to supporting and nurturing underrepresented and diverse groups in the space technology sector.
HPU Assistant Professor of Engineering Arif Rahman, Ph.D., was recently honored with the NASA Space Tech Catalyst prize. The award recognizes Rahman’s dedication to supporting and nurturing underrepresented and diverse groups in the space technology sector, specifically emphasizing his contributions in mentoring and advancing underrepresented students in space research. The $25,000 prize will help HPU create more inclusive space technology ecosystems and highlights Rahman’s impactful work in promoting diversity and inclusion within the space technology community.
Arif Rahman.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from NASA and am eager to further HPU's dedication to mentoring and propelling underrepresented students in the field of space research," Rahman expressed. “This grant not only recognizes our efforts but also solidifies HPU's pivotal role in guiding our engineering students towards achieving remarkable success.”
NASA chose the inaugural recipients of the Space Tech Catalyst prize with the aim to enhance involvement from underrepresented and diverse individuals within the space technology domain. The initiative underscores NASA's overarching dedication to fostering inclusivity and cooperation. Each winner will use the prize money to cultivate more diverse and inclusive space technology ecosystems. The Space Tech Catalyst prize is funded by the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
The 20 prize recipients will also receive invitations to attend an in-person gathering at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, scheduled for April 17, 2024. The gathering is aimed at fostering networking opportunities with fellow winners and commemorating their contributions to the space tech realm. The event will serve as a platform to exchange best practices in reaching, engaging, and nurturing the talents and skills of diverse groups, equipping them with the readiness to pursue funding opportunities within NASA’s Early-Stage Innovations and Partnerships portfolio.
Earlier this month, Rahman mentored a team of four HPU engineering students to victory in the EnergyTech University prize 2024, securing a $3,000 prize for their innovative business plan titled, “Touchless Electrostatic System for PV Cleaning.” The competition, aimed at fostering promising energy technologies, provides mentorship and resources to support students in their academic endeavors. On April 15, 2024, HPU will advance to the “pitch phase” of the EnergyTech UP competition, vying for the chance to win the $50,000 national prize.
In October 2023, Rahman received a $50,000 grant from NASA’s MUREP Partnership Annual Notification (MPLAN) for his project at HPU, focused on developing a liquid metal electrostatic protective textile fabric. This fabric aims to actively repel lunar dust upon demand, while maintaining flexibility and stretchability to enhance safety and functionality in lunar environments. Rahman is collaborating with HPU engineering student Greg Ball on the grant, with the goal of producing a prototype by the end of May 2024.
To learn more about HPU’s engineering program, click here.
