Alexandra Skeen fell in love with aviation as a teen while working at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

“I was fascinated with how aircraft work, and how they’ve improved over time,” said Skeen, a cadet first class at the Air Force Academy. “I really wanted to be a part of that evolution.”

A native of Reston, Va., Skeen briefly considered following in her older brother’s footsteps at the Naval Academy. But in the end, the Air Force Academy’s renowned aeronautical engineering program drew her to Colorado Springs.

“There was just no other place for me than the Air Force Academy,” she said.

As the 2026 recipient of the Holaday Scholarship, Skeen will further her aeronautics education at Oxford University after she graduates from USAFA in May.

Established by 1965 Academy alum Bart Holaday and his wife, Lynn, the Holaday scholarship is an annual endowment that allows one exceptional student to complete graduate work at Oxford.

“Her success shows what happens when a cadet’s immense potential is paired with hard work and our mission to forge warrior-leaders,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, the Air Force Academy’s superintendent. “She will be an outstanding ambassador for the academy.”

Skeen’s current research focus is applied aerodynamics: developing and testing modifications for Army helicopters to improve their safety and efficiency. At Oxford, she will pursue a two-year master’s degree in engineering, with a focus on experimental aerodynamics for sustainable aviation.

“I’ll be primarily focused on how the air moves over an aircraft, and how changing the shape and structure of an aircraft will impact the way the air moves around it,” Skeen explained.

Skeen’s academy experience has taught her the value of teamwork, in and out of the classroom. She has served as cadet in charge of the Cadet Outdoor Leadership Experience, as well as a liaison to the academy’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office and Integrated Resiliency Office. Skeen is also a member of the academy’s women’s rugby team.

“I really love the teamwork aspect of rugby. Teammates have to trust and support each other, and there’s a lot of communication that goes on,” she said. “Plus, it’s fun to go out there and get a few good hits in.”

After she has completed her Oxford studies, Skeen will enter the Air Force’s undergraduate pilot training program.

“I’m interested in flying C-130s,” she said. “I’m really passionate about the work the pilots and crew members do.”

Wherever her Air Force career takes her, Skeen hopes to develop the kind of support systems that made her academy experience so memorable, she said.

“Academics, athletics and military operations are all team sports, and I would not have made it to where I am today without the support of others,” Skeen said.

“At Oxford and throughout my Air Force career, I hope to be that source of support for others and continue seeking help from those around me, creating an environment where people can grow both as individuals and as a team.”