STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Ashlan Benson graduated this spring from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, earning numerous accolades and scholarly achievements along the way. Despite his accomplishments, the aspiring hypersonics engineer says he couldn’t have done it without the support of his family, friends and faculty.
Raised on a farm in Tullahoma, Tenn., Benson’s earliest inspirations were his father and brother, both pilots. He immersed himself in aerospace from an early age, reading every book on the subject he could find and joining the Civil Air Patrol.
“My entire education has only been possible because of my family, specifically my parents and brother,” said Benson. “They’ve been a constant source of support for four years, especially when school or life wasn’t going well.”
When it came time to pursue a college education, Benson knew he wanted a community-centered university where he could interact directly with faculty, and Tarleton State was a perfect fit. That decision paid off as he quickly built close relationships with professors and peers. For Benson, those connections proved pivotal to his professional and personal growth, providing valuable insights and learning opportunities.
Benson admits that before coming to Tarleton State, he lacked perspective and was not naturally collaborative. Now, he credits mentors, colleagues and friends with helping shift his mindset and guiding him toward success.
“They see a student that really cares and they’ll encourage that,” Benson said of his professors and dean at the Mayfield College of Engineering. “If you show the initiative, they’ll work with you. They’ve been very supportive.”
Faculty members praised Benson’s dedication and contributions to Tarleton State.
“Mr. Benson has always demonstrated exemplary skills in investigating practical solutions for complex engineering problems,” said Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering Dr. Haitham Abu Ghazaleh. “He has the intellect and determination to pursue these challenges, especially within his field of interest, space communications.”
Benson immersed himself in campus life throughout his four years at Tarleton State. He served as chair of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a Mayfield College of Engineering Ambassador and president of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) student branch.
Working with two fellow Tarleton State students, Benson co-authored a research paper on hypersonics for the AIAA Region IV Student Conference in March. The paper, which examined Free Space Optical (FSO) communications for hypersonic and re-entry vehicles, earned first place in the competition. The win also secured the team an invitation to the AIAA Foundation International Student Conference, giving Tarleton State aerospace research exposure to a global audience.
“Ashlan earned my trust early on. I gave him and his team full access to my laser lab,” said Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Christopher Marble, whose lab was instrumental in Benson’s research for the AIAA conference. “He played a major role in helping build the laser table and get the lab off the ground through assembly, aligning optics and turning an empty space into a functioning research lab.”
Benson also gained valuable internship experience and built lasting relationships outside the university. In 2025 and 2026, he was selected for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program. The paid, highly competitive internship invites students to work alongside United States Air Force scientists and engineers to develop breakthrough innovations in aerospace and defense. Benson said the experience further solidified his passion for the field and taught him valuable lessons about collaboration.
“Be open to change and growth,” Benson advised current and prospective students. “Gaining other perspectives is how you go about truly learning.”
Benson plans to continue his education at Texas A&M University, where he will pursue a doctorate in aerospace engineering and conduct research with the National Aerothermochemistry and Hypersonic Laboratory (NAHL). NAHL offers specialized flight simulators, wind tunnels and other research facilities that support hypersonic experimentation. The lab also collaborates closely with the private and public sectors, providing invaluable insight into defense and travel capabilities.
His personal and professional success stems from the scientific curiosity and passion his family and time at Tarleton State helped cultivate. Now, as he prepares to return to AFRL for another internship before joining NAHL at Texas A&M University, he moves one step closer to his ultimate goal of public service.
“I want to make the world safer,” Benson said. “That’s all I care about, and I was shaped that way by some good people.”
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 21,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For over 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.