2014-2015 MSE Undergraduate Awards

Department of Materials Science and Enginering (MSE) undergraduates were among the award recipients at the 2014-2015 A. James Clark School of Engineering's Honors and Awards Ceremony, held April 14. The event honors students from all departments who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, research, and contributions to their departments or fields.

This year, the awards and their recipients were:

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering Chairman’s Outstanding Senior Award
Presented to a graduating senior for scholarship, leadership and service to the department.

and

The A. James Clark School of Engineering Kim Borsavage and Pamela J. Stone Student Award for Outstanding Service
Presented to a student who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to the Clark School and is a truly unique individual whose contributions to the school exemplify a high level of dedication and service.

Awarded to Eric Bailey.

Senior Eric Bailey has a 3.99 GPA. He has worked on two research projects on campus and completed summer internships at the Naval Research Lab, W.L. Gore and Associates, and MIT. Eric is the president of the materials engineering undergraduate society and a member of the QUEST Honors program, Engineering Honors program, Tau Beta Pi, and Omicron Delta Kappa. He is also a teaching fellow, a Clark School Ambassador, a SEEDS Mentor, and a tutor for Engineering Living and Learning Communities. In the fall, he will pursue a Ph.D., supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering Outstanding Materials Student Service Award
Presented to graduating seniors for outstanding service to the department and to the student chapter of the Materials Engineering Society.

Awarded to Griffin Godbey.

Senior Griffin Godbey specializes in energy materials. He is a member of the University Honors Program, the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society (in which he is an officer), and the RISE Leadership Academy. He is also Keystone teaching fellow. Next year, he will move on to graduate school where he wishes to further research battery technologies.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering Student Research Award
Presented to an undergraduate who has demonstrated creativity and scholarship in research.

Awarded to Katherine Atwater and Allen Chang.

Senior Katherine Atwater has completed research on and off campus in solid oxide fuel cells, abnormal grain growth, laser-induced crystallization, and armor piercing bullets. Katherine also aids Women in Engineering in the planning of engineering outreach programs for middle school girls. She is a member of Alpha Omega Epsilon, the engineering sorority; Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honors society; and the RISE leadership program. She also serves as the vice president of the Engineering Student Council.

After graduating, senior Allen Chang will pursue a graduate education in polymer science and renewable energy. Allen received his citation for Business, Society, and Economy University Scholars in 2013. He is currently an officer of the Materials Science and Engineering Society and an active member of the Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society. He is also an undergraduate researcher in Assistant Professor Marina Leite’s READ lab. In the future, Allen hopes to make organic photovoltaic derivatives a market competitive source of renewable solar energy.

Outstanding ASPIRE Research Award
This Clark School award, presented by the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute to the ASPIRE (A Scholars Program for Industry-Oriented Research in Engineering) student who has carried out the most successful research project.

Awarded to Allen Chang.

See above for more information about Allen. You can also read a news story about his ASPIRE research.

The Center for Minorities in Science and Engineering Service Award

 Presented for dedicated service to the CMSE and the University community, and commitment to promoting diversity in engineering.

Awarded to Luke Bittner

Luke Bittner is a junior with a 3.5 GPA. He is a member of Engineers Without Borders and the RISE Leadership academy, and enjoys volunteering and working as a mentor for fellow engineering students.

Congratulations to all of these exceptional students!

Published April 20, 2015