William Hiscock

In 2011 Montana Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) established the Hiscock Memorial Award. The Hiscock award is given to applicants who embody Bill's passion for aerospace-related education.

 

Previous Award Winners

 

 

 

 

The Background on Bill

Bill achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1968, received a B.S. in physics from CalTech in 1973, and completed his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in physics at the University of Maryland. Bill came to Montana State University in 1984 and served as head of the physics department from 2003 until 2008.

As a young man, Bill was interested in hiking, rock climbing, biking and running. He was also interested in astronomy and physics from an early age. Only his eyesight kept him from pursuing his goal of becoming an astronaut. He was able to fly once he earned licenses for both gliders and private planes.

In 1991 Bill added a new dimension to his work at MSU by writing a successful grant proposal that started the Montana Space Grant Consortium (MSGC). MSGC is designed to provide a variety of space-related opportunities to students throughout Montana in the hopes of jump-starting their careers in the aerospace field. Bill was instrumental in the National Space Grant Student Satellite Program, which allows students to design experiments that fly into space. Also, the high-altitude balloon program was dear to his heart; whenever possible he attended the balloon launches in person. Bill served at the MSGC director until his death in 2009. 

The Award

The Hiscock Memorial Award is awarded on a competitive, rolling basis to an undergraduate or graduate student who has previously or is currently participating in an MSGC program, has demonstrated a strong commitment to their educational goals, and proposes a compelling use of the funds.

The Hiscock Memorial Award is a supplemental award that can be used for travel, research supplies, tuition expenses, or other educational expenses. Award amounts typically range from a few hundred dollars up to $3,000. 

This award is made possible by generous contributions to the National Space Grant Hiscock Memorial endowment fund.

Student Eligibility

  • Enrolled full-time as a student at an MSGC member institution
  • Past or current MSGC participant
  • Interested in space-related science, technology, or engineering

Application and Questions

Applicants must complete and submit the online application form and upload a 2-3 page personal statement that includes what you propose to do with the award funds.

Hiscock Memorial Award Application

For additional information, contact the MSGC Office by email or call (406) 994-4223.

Deadline

Applications for the Hiscock Memorial Award are on a rolling deadline; submit at anytime.