Fall 2021

NSPE Today
NSPE Announces 2021 Scholarship Winners

The NSPE Education Foundation awarded several scholarships to support talented students pursuing engineering degrees in ABET-accredited programs. Meet the 2021 winners:

Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship and the George B. Hightower, P.E. Fellowship

While majoring in civil engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and manufacturing engineering at UW-Stout, Markie Ash, of Waupaca, Wisconsin, is working toward her goal of designing sustainable and energy efficient buildings and homes. She has an impressive resume that includes multiple engineering internships, competing as an intercollegiate athlete on the golf team, consistent Dean’s List selections, extensive volunteer work, and service as a student liaison for the Women Pioneers in the Workforce Series.

The Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship awards $2,500 annually to a female undergraduate entering, or continuing, her junior year of an engineering program. The George B. Hightower, P.E. Fellowship awards $3,000 annually to an engineering undergraduate or graduate student.

Maureen L. and Howard N. Blitman, P.E., Scholarship to Promote Diversity in Engineering

Justin Sivasothy, of Sugar Land, Texas, is the recipient of the Maureen L. and Howard N. Blitman, P.E., Scholarship to Promote Diversity in Engineering, a $5,000 scholarship awarded to a high school senior from an ethnic minority pursuing an engineering education. He is attending the University of Texas at Austin.

At Logos Preparatory Academy, Sivasothy’s accomplishments extended beyond the classroom and into social justice. As a National Honor Society member, a cross country runner, a Second Mile volunteer, and an inaugural member of his community’s Culture Club, Sivasothy cultivated fellowship through respect and dialogue in his increasingly diverse community. He cofounded the Youth Builder’s arm of The Red Square Group, to engage other youth in “re-engineering” high-risk neighborhoods in the Houston area. With an interest in studying geosystems engineering and hydrology, he also participated in the Math, Science and Engineering Academy at the US Department of Energy’s Cooperative Developmental Energy Program.

Steinman Scholarship

This academic year, five students have been awarded the Steinman Scholarship of $5,000 each.

Michael Kadus (Chicago, Illinois) is pursuing degrees in industrial engineering and finance at Purdue University. Kadus’ work as a Tesla technical project manager intern addressed ways to sustainably improve the production of electric vehicles to support a cleaner environment. In an internship with SpaceX Starships Operations, he focused on engineering ethics. In addition to his many extracurricular activities, he founded Destination Internship and developed events to connect Purdue engineering students with employers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Robert Schneider (West Coxsackie, New York), a civil engineering student at Clarkson University, is active in undergraduate research in multiple laboratories, and he regularly participates in campus design competitions. Described as “a star among his peers,” he has taken on important roles during internships where he was responsible for advising clients and making decisions with public safety at the forefront. On top of his varied volunteer experience, Schneider also serves as a student worker on the campus Greenhouse Project and as captain of the Concrete Canoe team.

Annabel Sharnowski (Novi, Michigan) is studying mechanical engineering with a minor in electrical engineering at the University of Michigan. Throughout her numerous technical, leadership, and volunteer projects on and off campus, Sharnowski demonstrates a dedication to improving the lives of others, with a special focus on students, women, and children. She has also proven herself in the 
engineering field at the Ford Motor Company in the Sustainability and Emerging Materials Research Group. Her work with micronized rubber powder composites is especially well-regarded—she has already received awards and published research on the topic.

It’s no surprise that Noah Struck (Alexandria, Minnesota) is well-prepared in his pursuit of becoming a professional engineer. The civil engineering student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is an Eagle Scout as well as a member of the university marching band and Nordic skiing team. He also seeks ways to promote transportation-related opportunities and involvement with the Interdisciplinary Transportation Student Organization.

Jacob Witlin (Ellicott City, Maryland) believes the goal of a successful engineering project is “to move society forward and to do this ethically and morally.” The fire protection engineering student at the University of Maryland devotes his energy to volunteer activities such as participation in Engineers Without Borders and serving as a student ambassador for first-year engineering students. Witlin is also an Eagle Scout, a member of the club rugby team, and has led projects on several engineering internships.