2017 Leland Snow Memorial Scholarship Winner Announced

The Snow family has announced that Texas A&M Aerospace Engineering student Michelle Gilbert has received the 2017 Leland Snow Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded every year to provide assistance to Texas A&M Aerospace Engineering students who show exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills, creativity in aircraft design, and academic promise.

Michelle is on her way to a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering with an overall GPA of 4.0. In a thank-you letter to the Snow family, she says, “I’ve been interested in flying and space ever since I was a young child. Because I lived near Washington, DC, I frequently visited the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and Udvar-Hazy Center. To this day, these museums are the first place I take anyone who visits my family.”

Michelle continues, “Texas A&M University has given me the opportunity to explore my fascination of flight and space. I’ve helped put a satellite into space by working at AggieSat Lab.  AggieSat4, the lab’s second satellite, was put into orbit by astronauts Scott Kelly and Tim Peake from the International Space Station in January, 2016. The project and my trips to the Johnson Space Center have provided me with valuable insights into the operational and technical aspects of designing and testing complex air and spacecraft. I plan on pursuing a career in space-related defense topics where I hope to be involved in the development of cutting-edge technology and design similar to what your father achieved during his life.”

Outside of academics, Michelle enjoys playing classical acoustic guitar. She began taking guitar lessons at age six, despite being told she was too young. Michelle also became interested in archery at age 10 and is currently a member of the Texas A&M Target Archery Team, representing TAMU and the USA at multiple World Cups and University World Championships.

The Leland Snow Memorial Scholarship in Aerospace Engineering honors the memory of Leland Snow, Texas A&M Class of ’52, founder and President of Air Tractor, Inc. Leland Snow built a 53-year legacy of aircraft design and innovations that ushered in the era of the modern agricultural spray plane.