After a comprehensive and thorough review of 18 scholarship applications, the WTS Central Florida Chapter in Orlando selected three UF students as winners of scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students. The scholarships and the winners are summarized below.
Frankee Hellinger Graduate Scholarship – Zhuofei Li (doctoral student)
Zhuofei, a transportation engineering student has worked diligently to maintain an impeccable GPA. She will complete her Ph.D. studies in Traffic Operations and Intelligent Transportation Systems in August 2014. Zhuofei is training to become an expert in the area of traffic operations and control incorporating ITS technologies. The director of the UF Transportation Institute, Dr. Lily Elefteriadou, said the following about this exemplary student, “Zhuofei is a very accomplished student and researcher, and she has contributed significantly to our program through her leadership and participation in numerous volunteer activities.”
Frankee Hellinger Undergraduate Scholarship – Kelsey Elizabeth Lucas (undergraduate student)
Kelsey is currently pursuing a civil engineering bachelor’s degree, which she will complete by December 2014. This young woman is a high achiever who credits her passion for engineering to a desire to exceed in a male dominated industry. “I plan to gain project management experience as well as a well-rounded understanding of transportation projects from both an engineering and management perspective,” Kelsey said. ” My long-term goal is to start my own small civil engineering firm as an entrepreneur.”
Frankee Hellinger Leadership Scholarship for Undergraduates – Kristen Nicole Schneider
This is Kristen’s second award this year from a WTS professional chapter. Previously, she was awarded the Sharon D. Banks Memorial Scholarship from the WTS South Florida professional chapter. Kristin is majoring in civil engineering with a focus in transportation, which she will receive by December 2014. Kristen has maintained an excellent GPA while holding several leadership positions with the WTS UF student chapter. Currently, Kristen serves as the president of the WTS Florida Gator Student Chapter. “The goal of my long-term career development path is to work my way up into a senior principal engineer. It is essential to have exceptional leadership skills within the industry in order to help guide clients to make the best decisions,” Kristen said. Upon graduation, Kristen will be working for Norfolk Southern where she has been interning and has been offered a full-time position.
The students will be presented with their awards during the WTS Central Florida Banquet on April 23, 2014.
Congratulations ladies!