Garrett Knotts, Mississippi State ’24, a biochemistry major, is one of just 68 students across the country to receive the 2023 Astronaut Scholarship.

In 1984, the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts established the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation to ensure the United States would remain a global leader in technology in the decades to come. The ASF works with leaders in technology and science to identify the best and brightest college juniors and seniors in the country and award them with scholarships to continue their pursuits in science, technology, engineering and math. Scholarship recipients also receive mentorship, personal and pre-professional development, and lifelong access to the ASF network of partners and advisors.

Knotts’ research has focused on the interconnections between cancer treatments, heart cell reproduction and biochemistry. The recent graduate has also been studying how electricity works in the heart.

“I don’t consider myself a super student, so being the winner of the ASF award was a shock, and I am honored,” Knotts stated. “When I got the call confirming I was a recipient while I was at the research lab, I was so surprised. Winning has really built up my confidence in my studies and my research.”

Knotts has served as the MSU Student Association’s legislative director and vice president of the Judy and Bobby Shackhouls Honors College Ambassadors. The honors program was established at the university by MSU alumnus and SigEp Citation recipient Bobby Shackhouls, ’72, and his wife. Knotts’ other awards include the Mississippi Eminent Scholar Grant and Colvard Future Leadership Scholarship.

Knotts said he’s enjoyed serving as a member of the recruitment team and on the Buchanan Cup Committee at Mississippi Beta. “I learned about SigEp through the Balanced Man Scholarship. I participated in virtual recruitment because of COVID, but at the time did not feel comfortable joining when I’d only met the guys online.” Later, when he met the brothers in person, he was ready to join. “I love SigEp because of the confidence and the brotherhood it brings.”

As he thinks about life post-graduation, Knotts plans to use a portion of his $15,000 Astronaut Scholarship to attend graduate school and eventually go on to earn a Ph.D.

Vernon Gibbs II is a founding father of SigEp’s New York Phi chapter. He is a self-published author of two children’s books, one about healthy eating and one about the beauty of Christmas.