The Verner E. Suomi Scholarship recipients 2025
Each year the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies offers at $3,000 scholarship for high school seniors about to embark on their university journey at a UW System school. The scholarship is named after co-founder of the Space Science and Engineering Center Verner Suomi, whose passion for teaching and fostering curiosity lives on through the annual scholarship.
The Suomi Scholars represent a diverse group of students united by curiosity and a drive to learn. Below, each scholar shares their academic interests, career aspirations, and the passions guiding their path forward.
Kristina Thomas
Tracking storms today to protect lives tomorrow
Major: Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences + Environmental Studies Certificate
Interested in: Understanding how climate change affects tropical storm systems, including hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons.
“I’ve always loved researching hurricane activity each season and watching live updates of active storm systems. I see myself as a meteorologist focused on hurricane research and forecasting, helping people prepare for extreme weather.”
Ean Sautebin
Exploring distant worlds to better understand our own
Major: Astronomy and Physics
Interested in: Studying planetary systems and using astronomy to understand Earth’s atmosphere and environment.
“I’m excited to learn about the dynamic processes that govern other planets in our solar system and beyond. My greatest hope for a future career in research is to contribute back to the understanding of our own world, much like scientists use the planet Venus as a case study for a runaway greenhouse effect.”
Kylee VanPatten
Chasing storms to better understand the skies
Major: Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Interested in: Investigating severe weather systems, especially tornadoes, to better predict and understand extreme atmospheric events.
“Growing up in Wisconsin, I was always fascinated by tornadoes — not afraid, but drawn to watch how the atmosphere changed during storms. I hope to become a meteorologist and storm chaser, studying severe weather up close to advance forecasting and safety.”
Heather Drake
Growing knowledge to protect the planet
Major: Environmental Science
Interested in: Exploring connections between environmental science, conservation, biology, and botany to strengthen ecosystem protection.
“I want to understand how living systems work so we can care for them better. I’m still exploring paths across conservation, field biology, and restoration ecology to find where my skills and curiosity fit best.”
Eve Vosters
Reaching for the stars to uncover the unknown
Major: Engineering Mechanics (Aerospace Path)
Interested in: Exploring the physics of space flight and uncovering the mysteries of the universe.
“I’ve always been intrigued by space and its endlessness, and I aim to find out more about the vast universe. My dream career would be working at NASA, taking part in exploratory space missions that allow us to make less of the universe unknown.”