6/22/2026 Siv Schwink for Illinois Physics
A member of the Bezryadin research group, Sun plans to pursue a Ph.D. in physics and a career in quantum information science.
Written by Siv Schwink for Illinois Physics
Illinois Physics undergraduate student Cliff Sun has been named a member of the 2026 class of Astronaut Scholars by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF). Sun will receive up to $15,000 in financial support and will be honored alongside 79 Astronaut Scholars selected from across the U.S. at ASF’s Innovators Symposium & Gala on Aug. 13–15, 2026, at the Omni Houston Hotel in Houston, Texas.
Sun said, “I am grateful for the support provided by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation as I work to prepare for a career in quantum computing research. I plan to pursue a Ph.D. aimed at bridging the gap between quantum hardware, quantum software, and systems-level design, to make progress toward realizing a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computer. I would like to acknowledge the support of my family, friends, and mentors which continues to guide and sustain my scientific journey.”
The Astronaut Scholarship recognizes outstanding juniors and seniors pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) who are nominated by their professors. In addition to financial support, winners receive exclusive mentorship and professional networking opportunities with astronauts, Astronaut Scholar alumni, and industry leaders. Astronaut Scholars also take part in the Michael Collins Family Professional Development Program and receive a fully funded trip to attend ASF’s Innovators Symposium & Gala, which includes a technical conference where Astronaut Scholars showcase their research.
Illinois Physics Professor Alexey Bezryadin oversees Sun’s research in the Bezryadin group at Loomis Lab.
Bezryadin said, “I have never encountered an undergraduate student with Cliff's level of research productivity and passion for research in physics. We have already published two papers and two more are in preparation. All of them are focused on novel superconducting quantum devices, and Sun is the first author on three of them. Such unprecedented creativity, dedication, and scientific achievements make Cliff highly deserving of the Astronaut Scholarship.”
ASF awarded its first seven $1,000 scholarships in 1986 to honor the pioneering Mercury 7 Astronauts Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Walter Schirra, Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton. The program was championed by the six surviving Mercury 7 Astronauts, along with Betty Grissom (widow of Gus Grissom), Dr. William Douglas (Project Mercury’s flight surgeon) and Orlando philanthropist Henri Landwirth. What began as a celebration quickly evolved into a national commitment to support exceptional college students pursuing STEM degrees. Since then, over the past 40 years, more than $10 million has been awarded to more than 900 college students.
“Each new class of Astronaut Scholars represents the future of innovation and discovery,” said Colleen Middlebrooks, President and CEO of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. “The 2026 Astronaut Scholars have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, curiosity, and leadership, and we are proud to support them as they continue pursuing breakthroughs that will shape the future of STEM. We look forward to welcoming them into the ASF family and seeing the impact they will make in their fields and beyond.”