Aviation student Chris Johnson recognized with competitive Vertical Flight Society Scholarship

Third-year student Chris Johnson has a passion for advanced air mobility. In fact, the aviation major’s work in the field is already being noticed. He was recently awarded the $3500 Vertical Flight Society’s Joseph P. Cribbins Scholarship in recognition of his current and future work in the field.

“I am honored to receive this award and scholarship, and to be among the exceptional caliber of students that received awards from the Vertical Flight Foundation this year,” Johnson said.

The scholarship acknowledges Joseph P. Cribbins, the individual who had perhaps the most influence and long-term impact on U.S. Army Aviation logistics in the 20th century, according to the society. The award was presented virtually at the VFS Grand Awards Ceremony on May 5.

Johnson has big plans as well.

Since learning about the advanced air mobility industry only a year ago, he has already become a co-chair of the university's newly launched Ohio Air Mobility Symposium and co-founded the Buckeye Vertical student organization and lecture series. Additionally, Johnson has a campus job as advanced air mobility student assistant in the Office of Business and Finance. All of these roles allow him to interface with industry members.

“I am inspired and motivated by this scholarship in my pursuit of advanced air mobility,” Johnson shared. “I contribute a great deal of time and effort in my involvement with this industry at Ohio State and this has propelled me even further in my commitment and drive to make an impact.”

Of this year’s international cohort of 26 undergraduate and graduate student awardees, Johnson was one of only five undergraduate students to receive a scholarship from the society.

Johnson shared that he plans to use the scholarship to help further his education at Ohio State, as well as to invest a portion of the funds in advanced air mobility companies.

“Vertical flight is very interesting to me because it feels like I am a part of the future,” he said. “I love the ability to see the future of transportation and know that I am a part of it.”