Wielgosz Receives ARCS MWC Foundation Scholarship

University of Maryland aerospace engineering Ph.D. student Sarah Wielgosz was awarded a scholarship from the Metropolitan Washington Chapter of the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS MWC) Foundation.

A rising fifth-year doctoral student, Wielgosz is co-advised by Associate Professor Mumu Xu in the X-Lab and Assistant Professor John Martin in the Machine Learning for Dynamical Systems Lab. Her research focuses on developing machine learning methods to model complex spacecraft dynamics in environments such as the Earth-Moon system.

By uncovering simpler and more structured representations of orbital motion, Wielgosz aims to make challenging space environments easier to analyze and navigate. Her work could support faster trajectory analysis, mission design, and the discovery of lower-cost routes for future space missions.

The ARCS Foundation is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to advancing American leadership in science and technology by providing unrestricted funding to outstanding students pursuing degrees in science, engineering, and related disciplines.

“I am honored to receive support from the ARCS Foundation as I complete my graduate studies,” said Wielgosz. “ARCS Foundation is a nonprofit started and run by women to advance science and technology in the United States. It is deeply meaningful to me to be recognized by an organization whose legacy reflects women’s leadership and a strong commitment to the next generation of scientists and engineers.”

The ARCS Metropolitan Washington Chapter supports graduate and undergraduate scholars across the region who are conducting innovative research and preparing to contribute to the nation’s scientific and technological future.

Wielgosz said she hopes her research will contribute to future advances in space exploration and mission planning by helping engineers better understand and operate within complex gravitational environments.

Published June 2, 2026