East Providence Student to Receive $2,000 Science Scholarship

The second annual Aspen Aerogels Technology Award goes to none other than East Providence High School’s Christopher Perez-Lopes, a graduating senior who will be attending the University of Rhode Island in the fall.

Gerry Simpson, Director of Manufacturing at Aspen will present the company’s $2,000 scholarship at the annual Awards Night ceremony on June 8.

Aspen Aerogels created the Technology Award for an East Providence High School senior who showed an advanced aptitude in a science or technology course.

“We wanted to commend a local student with an above-average achievement in Science-based class for their hard work,” said Dan O’Hara, a finishing manager who initiated the scholarship along with the Community Involvement Team at Aspen.

Applicants were asked to write a 500-word essay about science and technology’s ability to make the world a better place. They also provided two letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance professionals.

The award’s selection committee at Aspen, worked in collaboration with Marshall Duran, a Guidance Counselor at East Providence High School to determine the best fit.

“We are grateful for Aspen’s commitment to the community and its future leaders,” Duran said. “We’re hoping that this award will encourage more students like Christopher to pursue careers in science, similar to those at Aspen.”

Looking forward, Christopher plans to major in chemical engineering or pursue a career as a chemist. He has made the honor roll every year at East Providence High School and spends his free time cycling and doing Krav Maga.

“We are all very proud of Christopher and wish him nothing but success,” Duran said.

Aspen Aerogels is a leading energy technology company providing innovative thermal management solutions to the $2.8 billion energy insulation market with locations in East Providence, RI and Northborough, MA.