STEPHENVILLE, Texas \u2014 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\u2019t have done it without the support of his family, friends and faculty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Raised on a farm in Tullahoma, Tenn., Benson\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy entire education has only been possible because of my family, specifically my parents and brother,\u201d said Benson. \u201cThey\u2019ve been a constant source of support for four years, especially when school or life wasn\u2019t going well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey see a student that really cares and they\u2019ll encourage that,\u201d Benson said of his professors and dean at the Mayfield College of Engineering. \u201cIf you show the initiative, they\u2019ll work with you. They\u2019ve been very supportive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faculty members praised Benson\u2019s dedication and contributions to Tarleton State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMr. Benson has always demonstrated exemplary skills in investigating practical solutions for complex engineering problems,\u201d said Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering Dr. Haitham Abu Ghazaleh. \u201cHe has the intellect and determination to pursue these challenges, especially within his field of interest, space communications.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAshlan earned my trust early on. I gave him and his team full access to my laser lab,\u201d said Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Christopher Marble, whose lab was instrumental in Benson\u2019s research for the AIAA conference. \u201cHe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBe open to change and growth,\u201d Benson advised current and prospective students. \u201cGaining other perspectives is how you go about truly learning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI want to make the world safer,\u201d Benson said. \u201cThat\u2019s all I care about, and I was shaped that way by some good people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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