Co-founder and CEO of ASTER Labs recognized for pioneering work in aerospace research

At its national board meeting in North Carolina, ARCS® Foundation President Andi Purple announced Dr. Suneel I. Sheikh, the co-founder, CEO and chief research scientist of Minnesota-based Advanced Space Technology and Research Laboratories (ASTER Labs), Inc. has been selected for membership in ARCS Alumni Hall of Fame. ASTER Labs is a technology development and research firm that specializes in advanced solutions for space, air, terrestrial, and medical applications. Dr. Sheikh created the company in 2004, in part, to operate as a bridge between the progressive, high-grade research at universities and the rapid development cycles of the aerospace industry.

“This is an incredible honor for me, to be recognized among so many other outstanding ARCS Scholar alumni who have received this vital assistance in their educational path,” said Dr. Sheikh, who holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland. “For my Ph.D. dissertation, I investigated the use of X-ray celestial sources, including pulsars, as navigation aids for spacecraft. This research was made possible by a significant two-year award from ARCS Foundation, and for that I am forever thankful.”

Inductees to the hall of fame are ARCS scholar alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of science and to increase our nation’s scientific competitiveness. Selection is by a panel comprised of ARCS Foundation national board members and is based on alumni contributions in the areas of scientific innovation, discovery, economic impact, development of future scientists, and communication of the importance of U.S. scientific superiority.

“We are proud to list Dr. Sheikh among ARCS alumni and welcome him into the exclusive and distinguished group that constitutes the hall of fame,” said Andi Purple, President of ARCS Foundation’s National Board.  “The research into celestial navigation that was funded in part by Dr. Sheikh’s ARCS Scholar Award is a perfect example of our mission to assist in completion of educational goals for the advancement of science and technology in the United States.”  

As a member of ARCS Alumni Hall of Fame, Dr. Sheikh joins the company of other outstanding alumni who received ARCS Foundation funding to support their education in past years.