Arslanbekov of Madison merits first place in von Braun Symposium
The student poster competition associated with the 15th annual Wernher von Braun Memorial Symposium attracted students from across the world. Thais Arslanbekov of Madison was a first-place winner. CONTRIBUTED
Bob Jones High School, Huntsville, Madison, Madison County Record, News, Schools, Z - News Main
 By  GreggParker Published 
8:14 pm Sunday, November 20, 2022

Arslanbekov of Madison merits first place in von Braun Symposium

MADISON – Attracting students around the world, the poster competition involving collegiate-level study attracted a first-place winner from Madison in the 15th annual Wernher von Braun Memorial Symposium.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville hosted the event on Oct. 26-28.

“This is the fourth year that the von Braun symposium’s poster competition was open to academic research by students from any university,” Dave Cook said. Cook is director of undergraduate research at UAH.

As a result of the opening, 96 students applied, not only from UAH but also from across the country and internationally. “We were really excited to have this opportunity for our undergraduate and graduate students to go head-to-head with students from other universities,” Cook said.

“UAH students captured two of the finalist spots. All the participants did an excellent job representing their respective universities,” Cook said.

One of those finalists was UAH student Thais Arslanbekov of Madison who entered the Physical and Liberal Sciences Undergraduate Division. Arslanbekov graduated from Bob Jones High School.

Arslanbekov earned first place for research concerning “Electrical and thermochemical analysis of polyvinyl alcohol and hydroxylammonium nitrate combustion mechanism.”

To show the highly technical level of this contest, in the same division as Arslanbekov, the second-place entry was Carol Mitchell of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University -Daytona Beach. Mitchell’s topic was “Assessment of Dose-dependent Endocrine and Immune Responses to Simulated Ionizing Radiation.”

Other poster subjects included aerospace industry, space life sciences, astrophysics, optics, economics, business, sustainability, history, international relations and STEM initiatives.

“You could really feel the energy and enthusiasm in the room,” Cook said.

“Students . . . explained their research to a team of judges made up of American Astronautical Society members,” Cook said. “Additionally, we . . . successfully utilized a new judging app created by UAH computer science undergraduate and graduate alumnus Nick West, bringing the poster session into the electronic era.”

American Astronautical Society is offering one poster finalist to present research at the International Astronautical Congress in Baku, Azerbaijan on Oct. 2-6, 2023.

“We thank the AAS for making UAH the home of this opportunity. I also thank the UAH faculty and research staff who encourage students to participate in events like this,” Cook said.

Also on The Madison Record
Space Command relocation to Huntsville to bring area growth
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
HUNTSVILLE — Officials expect at least 1,400 jobs to be directly added to the north Alabama area with the U.S. Space Command Headquarters permanently ...
Newly elected Madison mayor to depart US Chess role
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Ranae Bartlett was named US Chess Executive Director in 2024
By JOHN HARTMANN US Chess Press 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - It is said that no one can serve two masters. And so US Chess Executive Director Ranae Bartlett is trading Caïssa for the people of Madison,...
Triana Fire Department train for medical helicopter operation
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
TRIANA – Firefighters who work in Triana Fire Department recently accomplished a new milestone in their training to serve and protect their town. On-s...
Itty Bitty Bakers sweetens the community with classes
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By KADIE TAYLOR news@themadisonrecord.com 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Sweeten your day, Itty Bitty Bakers offers baking classes for locals, from 18 months to adults. Itty Bitty Bakers owner Kayla Johnson has be...
Madison Visionary Partners to host Gather Madison, volunteers needed
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
EVENTS
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – In its premiere in 2025, the Gather Madison event will unite residents of all backgrounds at one long table for a free, shared meal in the s...
Kids to Love to go “Over the Edge” for children in foster care Sept. 19-20
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Bold, compassionate individuals will be going “Over the Edge” for Kids to Love during a thrilling two-day fundraiser where participants rapp...
The Madison Street Festival is less than a month away
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – The first Saturday in October. That’s the day Madison residents turn out to visit with friends and neighbors, promote school groups, shop fo...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *