Barbour Scholars
Responding to the rapidly growing need for aviation career professionals in all sectors of the aviation industry, in 2019, the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Foundation established the Laura Taber Barbour Scholarship Fund. This fund awards scholarships to accomplished students who are enrolled in aviation career studies at accredited aviation schools, nominated by their professors and selected by the Scholarship Committee. Nominations are based on a student’s commitment to a career in aviation, scholastic excellence indicative of future success, a strong interest in and aptitude for aviation safety, and commendable character, professionalism, and integrity.
The Scholarship Committee is currently composed of volunteer members: Laura Barbour, Ph.D., Peggy Gilligan, Nancy Graham, Keith Hagy, Honorable Richard Healing, Maxine Lubner, Ph.D., and Ruth Stilwell, D.P.A.
The Laura Taber Barbour Scholarship Fund relies on the generous giving of those who understand the ongoing need to support and continually inspire and motivate aviation students. All donated funds are applied directly in increments of $500 and in full amounts toward the tuition of students chosen to be Barbour Scholars. Scholarships may be awarded up to the full balance of funds available in the Scholarship Fund bank account.
Please consider giving to this worthwhile cause. Tax-deductible donations may be made through our secure third-party e-commerce service provider or by mailing a check made payable to “The Laura Taber Barbour Scholarship Fund.”
We thank you for your generous participation.
2026 Barbour Scholars
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Samuel McDowell
Zachary Duffens
Samuel is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science, with a minor in Meteorology. Samuel plans to fly with the Hurricane Hunters through NOAA or the US Air Force.
Zachary is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance Sciences, with career interests that include returning to military aviation contracting, pursuing opportunities with a major commercial airline, and exploring the aviation safety field.
Florida Institute of Technology
Alexander Demko
Noa Hollander
Alexander is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and aims to become an airport director.
Noa is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management with a career goal in airport planning, emphasizing aviation safety, operational efficiency, and passenger experience.
Hampton University Department of Aviation
Andrew Quarells
Charles Gordon
Andrew is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Flight Education, with a minor in Aviation Management, and plans a career in airport and airline operations.
Charles is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management with a concentration in Air Traffic Control, aiming to become an aviation lawyer and work with the FAA.
Liberty University School of Aeronautics
Gianna Reyes Medina
Kyle Pafford
Gianna is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology Maintenance and Flight and plans to pursue a professional career in aviation.
Kyle is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Operations with the goal of becoming an unmanned aircraft aviation entrepreneur.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Bryan Flores
Joshua Kovacsics
Bryan is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science and plans to become a professional pilot.
Joshua is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science and plans to become a professional pilot for a regional airline.
University of North Dakota
Alexander Gibbons
Katherine Barney
Alexander is double-majoring in Commercial Aviation and Aviation Safety and Operations, with the goal of becoming a professional pilot, safety advocate, and aviation leader.
Katherine is double-majoring in Commercial Aviation and Aviation Safety and Operations with the goal of becoming a professional pilot and pilot safety representative for an airline.
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
Ryann Plaisir
Bisma Arbab
Ryann is majoring in Aircraft Operations with the career goal of becoming a professional pilot.
Bisma is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Airline Management with a minor in Air Traffic Control with the goal of becoming a pioneer in aviation safety.
Virginia Tech Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering
Taner Alptekin
Sean Rigdon
Taner is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and has been accepted into the accelerated Master's program. Taner’s career goal is to work on advanced UAVs, rotorcraft, or autonomous air mobility systems and contribute to aircraft systems that are safe and dependable.
Sean is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and minors in Computer Science and Math with a career goal of working in guidance, navigation, and control, particularly in control systems for autonomous aerospace vehicles.
Saint Louis University
Jackson Fendler
Mary Hoffman
Jackson is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics with a concentration in Aviation Flight Science with the goal of becoming a pilot for a regional airline followed by a major airline.
Mary is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics with a concentration in Aviation Flight Science with the goal of becoming a pilot for a regional airline followed by a major airline.
Barbour Scholars Archive