CEAT graduate Dorrell receives National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
Monday, May 19, 2025
Media Contact: Tanner Holubar | Communications Specialist | 405-744-2065 | tanner.holubar@okstate.edu
Trey Dorrell, a 2025 spring graduate from the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University, now has the means to dive deeper into his research as a mechanical and aerospace engineer.
Dorrell is one of three OSU students this year to receive a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. The five-year fellowship offers three years of financial support and an annual stipend of $37,000.
He also received an internal fellowship from Purdue University, where he will pursue his Ph.D. The internal fellowship will cover the first year of his five-year NSF fellowship, allowing him to save the three years of funding for the second through fourth years while he earns his Ph.D.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, especially as an undergraduate, which makes it feel even more meaningful,” Dorrell said. “This year, fewer than half the typical number of fellowships were awarded, so to be selected in such a competitive cycle is incredibly validating.”
It gives Dorrell the flexibility to dive deeper into research areas he is most passionate about, expanding the scope of what he can accomplish in his research.
He will focus on laser diagnostics for applications in propulsion and combustion. Due to the fundamental nature of this research, he will investigate core combustion phenomena and flow behavior on a deeper level.
“Thanks to the GRFP, I’ll have the flexibility to explore these advanced topics early in my Ph.D., which may have been out of reach without this kind of support,” Dorrell said.
Dorrell wants to continue to grow as a collaborative researcher and looks forward to being able to mentor younger students. He is considering eventually becoming a professor, but his broader focus is making a strong contribution to science and helping others do the same.
“Even though I’ll be starting my Ph.D. at Purdue, I’m incredibly grateful for everything the OSU MAE department has done to help me get to this point,” Dorrell said. “It’s exciting to carry that support and experience with me into this next chapter, and I fully intend to stay connected with the department in whatever capacity I can moving forward.”
Dorrell credits many of his mentors in CEAT for helping shape his academic path and his confidence to pursue graduate school.
“Dr. Kurt Rouser has played a significant role in my success as a researcher,” Dorrell said. “His support and mentorship have been instrumental, and he’s the one who taught me how to approach problems effectively and how to grow into an independent researcher. I’m also deeply grateful to Dr. Chuck Bunting, who has been a trusted mentor and advocate throughout my time at OSU, and to Dean Carisa Ramming, whose encouragement has meant a lot as I’ve pursued opportunities within CEAT.”
Dorrell is thankful to all who made an impact on him during his time at OSU. He will always remember those who believed in him and invested their time and energy into his success.
“That kind of support has made all the difference, and I carry it with me as I move forward,” Dorrell said. “I’m excited to keep paying that forward through research, mentorship and by supporting students just like others supported me.”