Lakeview Centennial High School 2021 graduate Breyana Robinson is making headlines for her journey from high school to becoming an Astronaut Scholar, showcasing her dedication to education and research in animal science. The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s Scholarship is an elite scholarship award given annually to the nation’s most academically accomplished students pursuing degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.) Robinson, who attends North Carolina A&T State University, is one of 68 students from across the nation to win the award.
“I am honored to win because it means I’m considered among the best and brightest scientific minds,” said Robinson. “It’s great that the Foundation recognized the importance and value of different STEM industries, including the work animal scientists like me do with farm animals.”
Robinson’s research focuses on how to make cattle healthy again after they get sick because part of their stomach becomes too acidic.
Before she became an astronaut scholar, Robinson was an LCHS Patriot. Her educational career was marked by her participation in the dual credit program, which allowed her to graduate with an associate’s degree and gave her a significant head start in her academic and professional endeavors. However, the courses focusing on animal science and agriculture and the Certified Veterinary Assistant program at the Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center (GRCTC) laid the foundation for her future success.
“I was able to finish my associate’s degree early in December 2020, but I didn’t graduate from Garland ISD until May 2021,” Robinson explained. “So, I was able to work full-time at the UT Southwestern Animal Resource Center between December and May because I had the Certified Veterinary Assistant certification from the GRCTC. The job propelled me forward, and I had the opportunity to gain practical experience in the industry I wanted to pursue. I believe that set me apart from other students.”
Following high school graduation, Robinson’s academic journey underwent a transformative shift as she immersed herself in research during her freshman year at NC A&T, participating in a summer research internship at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah.
“During my time at UT Southwestern, I discovered my interest in research, which developed even more during my internship. I learned about acquiring a Ph.D., conducting scientific research, and the reality of academic life. With this experience, I consulted with an academic advisor and initiated my research project, which ultimately led to me winning the Astronaut Scholarship.”
Currently a junior at NC A&T, an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), Robinson says she’s proud to represent the excellence of such institutions.
“I’m incredibly proud to represent an HBCU in this industry. So much talent and innovation come from HBCUs – but I don’t think enough people know about it. The world needs to see the big things coming out of our schools. I think that’s the real impact of winning this scholarship. It shows that students at HBCUs are the same caliber as other students.”
After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to enroll in a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine program. She aspires to become a vet while researching immunology or veterinary medical research.
Robinson will receive up to $15,000 in educational expenses and a lifelong engagement with astronauts, executives, STEM researchers, and innovators as a scholarship winner. In August 2023, Robinson and the other winners traveled to Florida to present their research at a technical conference during the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s Innovator’s Week.
“Being named an Astronaut Scholar has given me an extra boost of confidence and encouraged me to continue to reach for the stars in everything I do.”
Information and photo provided by Garland ISD.