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A West Virginia University engineering student with aspirations of developing spacecraft for NASA will study Russian in Kyrgyzstan after earning a prestigious Boren Scholarship, a nationally competitive award that prepares future leaders in national security.
Izaak Whetsel is triple majoring in computer science, computer engineering and electrical engineering in the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources and became interested in Russian because of the language’s longstanding role in international space exploration.
“There has been a long history of international cooperation and collaboration when it comes to space exploration,” Whetsel, a native of Elkins, said. “I hope that I will be able to use the language skills I develop in Kyrgyzstan to work on a project supported by scientists around the world.”
Funded by the National Security Education Program, the Boren Scholarship supports U.S. students studying languages and cultures critical to the nation’s interests. Scholars commit to immersive language study and cultural engagement while abroad.
For Whetsel, the opportunity represents more than language acquisition; it’s a chance to gain a deeper understanding of life in another part of the world.
“I believe that by studying abroad, we can gain a better sense of our place in the world, especially when experiencing a culture unlike the one we grew up in,” he said. “I will better understand my abilities as a lifelong learner and gain a deeper appreciation of the similarities and differences between life in the U.S. and abroad.”
And Whetsel is eager to fully immerse himself in the experience.
“I want to eat the same foods, play the same sports, and live as if I am truly a member of the community and not just a tourist,” he said.
He also recognizes the opportunity to study abroad is not without challenges.
“I believe that the largest of these will be living so far from my family, friends, and the social circles I have grown accustomed to over the years,” Whetsel said. “Building new connections will take time and effort in a new country.”
As a recipient of the Boren Scholarship, Whetsel will be required to work for the federal government in the area of national security which most aligns with his career goals.
“My goal is to work for NASA developing software and hardware for spacecraft and robots that will explore the universe,” he said. “By learning among a different culture, I hope to have a better grasp on humanity’s needs. In doing so, I hope to design spacecrafts that can directly benefit all people on Earth.”
WVU students interested in the Boren Scholarship can work with the ASPIRE Office to learn more and apply. Founded in 2006, the office assists students applying for competitive scholarships and fellowships, as well as students applying for graduate or professional schools.
