Two 91Ƶ College of Aeronautics and Engineering students have been selected as recipients of , earning recognition from a highly competitive international aviation industry program that supports the next generation of aviation professionals.
Jonathan (Jonny) Burkhart, a junior studying aviation management in 91Ƶ’s School of Aeronautics, received an ISTAT Foundation General Award. Nufath Arham, a junior aerospace engineering student from the School of Engineering, received an ISTAT Foundation General Award and the . The ISTAT Foundation Scholarship is open to students from universities around the world that are part of the ISTAT Foundation University Network, a group that includes many leading aviation and aerospace institutions. The application process is highly selective, with only the most competitive students chosen each year. According to the ISTAT Foundation’s candidate update, applications were reviewed by a committee of industry executives, and final awards were determined based on eligibility scores and tuition need.
The ISTAT Foundation, the philanthropic arm of ISTAT, supports students preparing for careers across commercial aviation, including aircraft leasing, trading, finance, fleet planning, asset management and related sectors. In addition to scholarship funding, recipients receive complimentary ISTAT membership and conference registration for five years, giving them access to a global network of aviation professionals and industry learning opportunities.
For Burkhart, the award supports his goal of pursuing a career in airline fleet management and strategic planning. In his application, he described his interest in combining aviation, business strategy, airline economics and long-term fleet decisions, as well as his desire to engage with ISTAT’s professional network, educational programs and mentorship opportunities. As a first-generation college student balancing full-time study with significant work responsibilities, Burkhart noted that the scholarship will help reduce financial pressure and allow him to focus more fully on academic success, aviation internships and professional development.
For Arham, the award advances his interest in the relationship between aircraft performance, operational efficiency and long-term aircraft value in the global aviation market. In his application, he wrote about understanding how fuel economy, maintenance reliability and operating costs influence how aircraft are evaluated and managed over time. As an international student from Bangladesh, Arham also described the sacrifices his family has made to support his education and the responsibility he feels to make the most of his academic and professional opportunities.
The students’ success follows an opportunity pursued by Yi Gao, Ph.D., director of the School of Aeronautics, who led 91Ƶ’s entry into the ISTAT Foundation University Network and coordinated the candidate selection process, supporting applicants as they prepared competitive scholarship materials.
“This recognition is an important milestone for our students and for the School of Aeronautics,” Gao said. “Jonathan and Nufath each bring strong academic commitment, resilience and a clear vision for contributing to the aviation industry. Their success demonstrates the quality of our students and the value of connecting them with national and international professional networks such as ISTAT.”
For Burkhart and Arham, the scholarships provide financial support and long-term access to an international aviation community. For future students, their success shows how academic preparation, student initiative and institutional support can come together to open doors to prestigious industry opportunities.
The awards also create momentum for future 91Ƶ students. By joining the ISTAT Foundation University Network and establishing a process to identify and support competitive applicants, the School of Aeronautics is building a sustainable pathway for students to pursue scholarships, mentorship, conferences and professional connections beyond the classroom.