Most of Aspen Anderson’s childhood was spent playing in the wide open spaces of South Dakota. She developed her love for the outdoors early, setting her on the quest to learn about the earth and help solve some of the world’s biggest environmental challenges. Now, as a student at Mines, she is studying geophysical engineering and is devoted to her research that studies the nexus between unconventional energy production and water demands in semi-arid regions. She wouldn’t be able to do this without her scholarship from the ARCS Foundation, which advances science and technology in the United States by providing financial awards to academically outstanding students studying to complete degrees in science, engineering and medical research.

“The ARCS scholar program has allowed me to advance my research career and has taught me about the type of legacy I want to leave,” said Aspen.

 

Her legacy started with her father’s decision to become an earth sciences professor at Arizona State University. He was awarded an ARCS fellowship during his graduate studies when money was tight and he was supporting a newborn son and biking to the laundromat. “Just when I was wondering if I had made the right decision about pursuing a faculty position, I suddenly had enough money to finish my graduate career,” he said. “Within two years of that day, I was hired for my first faculty post. Now, nearly 30 years after receiving the ARCS fellowship, traveling the world conducting research on volcanoes in over 20 countries, and watching dozens of my own students start their own geoscience careers, I am extremely grateful for the support I received when I most needed it.”

 

Since 1976, ARCS, which is supported by all female volunteers, has donated $934,000 for scholarships to Mines. During the campaign, they donated $220,000; they were one of many donors who contributed more than $63 million during the campaign for financial aid. This support allows students to focus on their studies while at Mines and take advantage of the cutting-edge technology and research done on campus.