Thank You for Supporting Student Travel to the 2025 Congress

For many students, attending the recent Physics and Astronomy Congress wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of Sigma Pi Sigma donors. As the students convey below, your gift changes lives.

“This stipend directly enabled our SPS chapter to attend the conference, which opened an opportunity that expanded our academic perspective, strengthened our professional network, and motivated us to bring new ideas back to our campus. A major highlight was presenting in the poster session and having feedback from the broader physics community. We also had the chance to meet the SPS Executive Committee and members of Sigma Pi Sigma, which helped us better understand how to grow our chapter and better serve our members. As chapter president, one of my favorite moments was meeting and speaking with Dr. Jocelyn Bell Burnell. Without this support, our participation would not have been possible.” - Yulián Humarán, University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez

“Attending SPSCon was one of the most valuable experiences that I have had throughout my undergraduate career. Getting the opportunity to network with other undergraduate physicists while learning about various career opportunities in academia, industry, and national labs was valuable for planning my career.” - Logan Finke, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

“The SPS Chapter Travel Award allowed our chapter to attend the Sigma Pi Sigma Physics and Astronomy Congress for the first time. . . . It provided invaluable insight into graduate school pathways, career opportunities, and the broader climate surrounding science today. The experience was both informative and inspiring, and we are fully committed to doing everything we can to ensure our chapter is able to attend future congresses.” - Angel Fraire Estrada, University of Tennessee Chattanooga

“This congress gave me the opportunity to meet outstanding scientists who have experienced the struggles I have faced as an undergraduate. Attending Dr. Renee Horton’s plenary talk helped me realize that I should focus on professional development opportunities I am truly passionate about and make time for myself so that I can thrive rather than survive through my physics career.” - Blake Schuetz, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

“The SPS Physics and Astronomy Congress was an impactful experience. . . I feel more secure knowing that there are other people interested in the same research as me but also fighting to keep science in the forefront.” - Andrew Elder, University of Tennessee Chattanooga

“We had four students attend, and all four students presented research that they had done at our school. It was a great opportunity for all of us to present our work in a safe and thriving physics environment. . .. Without the travel grant, our students would not have been able to attend.” - Naomi Wagner, Oglethorpe University

Supporting Students

Student travel to Physics and Astronomy Congresses is supported by the SPS Student Success Fund. This fund enhances the academic and professional development of physics and astronomy students through targeted support. It provides financial assistance for student travel to conferences, internships for hands-on experience, and scholarships to ease educational costs. The fund also fosters community by supporting regional events that connect aspiring physicists. You can learn more about donating to this fund and the Alumni Engagement and Sigma Pi Sigma fund at aip.org/foundation/student-programs .