Victoria Lam University of Georgia Alumni BSEE 24’ Engineering Academic Boot Camp (EABC) Counselor Summer 2024 PO Box 762 Suwanee, GA 30024 e: victoria.lam.work@gmail.com p: 1-(770)-865-7932 September 30, 2024 To the Georgia Engineering Foundation, It is with great pleasure that I offer my endorsement for Kaely Jimenez for the 2024 Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarship. I had the pleasure of serving as a Camp Counselor during the College of Engineering Academic Boot Camp (EABC) for the Summer 2024 term. During this program, I had the privilege of serving some of the most brilliant, young minds who have committed themselves to becoming leaders and preparing for success in their college career. This was executed through weeks of challenging engineering courses, interactive engineering lab sessions, and career exploration opportunities. One of these brilliant minds which stands out is Kaely Jimenez, who not only learned but led during this program. Days prior to the closing ceremony of the program, students were tasked with creating a presentation to highlight their experiences during the camp. During this production time, Kaely demonstrated great communication skills and a willingness to work with others with diverse perspectives, which resulted in an impressive and comprehensive presentation that sponsors applauded. Furthermore, during the closing ceremony, students had the opportunity to network and show gratitude towards companies that sponsored the program including Gulfstream Aerospace, Georgia Power, and Lockheed Martin. Kaely engaged with sponsors, and stepped outside her comfort zone to connect, demonstrating not only ambition but a willingness to be uncomfortable and adapt to her situations. Weeks later, she also took initiative for attending an externship with UPS, an opportunity that would intimidate most first-year students. Kaely, however, took full advantage of her resources, networked with other STEM students, and learned about the opportunities at UPS – all before her first semester enrolled in college. Overall, during my experience working with Kaely, she has shown a serious dedication to not only her studies but to her community as well. With the fortitude that she displayed in navigating a new collegiate environment, she has demonstrated adaptability as a strength, a promising sign of a great engineer. Great honor to have had the opportunity to be one of the first supportive stepping stones to future engineers. I believe that the next generation of engineers should always be better than the last, and students like Kaely Jimenez are of the highest caliber. Serving as the College of Engineering Undergraduate Student Assistant from 2022 to 2024, I’ve had the unique position to observe and vet many engineering students, and Kaely shines with the traits of a student that not only has already made an impact in those around her, but will make an impact in the engineering field she is choosing to pursue. Thank you for the consideration of KaelyJimenez for the 2024 Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarship. If any more information is required, please contact me through at victoria.lam.work@gmail.com or by phone at 1-(770)-865-7932. Thank You, Victoria Lam University of Georgia Alumni BSEE 24’ Engineering Academic Boot Camp (EABC) Counselor Summer 2024
To whom it may concern: It is my great pleasure to recommend Nicole Vok for the Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarship. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Nicole during her first semester at the University of Georgia. Nicole was selected to participate in the third cohort of a scholarship program at the University of Georgia, the First Year Scholars Program. As a member of the cohort of scholars, Nicole has demonstrated strong leadership skills, worked cohesively in teams, presented quality communication skills, and learned to engage in the College of Engineering community. During her tenure in the program, Nicole has taken a proactive approach to assignments and participation in class. She doesn’t shy away from asking clarifying questions and makes other students feel welcome to ask questions or share feedback. As part of the program, Nicole serves as a representative for underrepresented students pursuing engineering. This commitment to service and leadership does not go unnoticed. As a female in engineering, Nicole ensures that our college community and the future of engineering are diverse and inclusive. In addition to her leadership in the First Year Scholars Program, Nicole has a proven record of leadership and excellence during her high school academic career. During her senior year, she participated in an internship with the GDP group where she got hands on work experience related to Civil Engineering. She visited work sites, learned directly from engineers, and gained experience with AutoCad. She participated in a number of extracurriculars including serving as president of an honors society. As Nicole settles into her first semester at the University of Georgia she is exploring new organizations to join and I have no doubt that she will serve in a leadership position later in her academic career. Nicole is committed to pursuing a career in Civil Engineering. Nicole Vok would serve as a valuable representative for the Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship would enable her to continue her mission of pursuing excellence in engineering with a mindset of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. I recommend her for this scholarship opportunity with the highest support. Nicole will be a great representative and steward of the University of Georgia and any organization she participates in. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need additional information. Sincerely, Amber Amber Juncker Director, Engagement & Recruitment College of Engineering 1156D Driftmier Engineering Center Athens, GA 30602 706-542-2744
September 28, 2024 Georgia Engineering Foundation Attn: Scholarship Review Committee Harris Tower, Suite 700 233 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30303 RE: Letter of Support for Ms. Kayleigh Murillo for the Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarships Dear Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarship Review Committee, With the strongest possible support, I recommend Kayleigh Murillo for this year’s Georgia Engineering Foundation (GEF) Scholarship. I have only known Kayleigh since March 2024 when she applied for and was accepted into our prestigious First Year Scholars Program (FYSPS) within the University of Georgia’s College of Engineering’s. Kayleigh is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering degree at UGA and is currently enrolled in my First Year Seminar: Engineering Exploration, Leadership, and Service this semester. Since joining UGA and our college, she has been one of the hardest working students in our college and performed exceptionally in my class. Additionally, I’ve met with Kayleigh regularly to check progress in her current classes along with her engagement in extracurricular and co-curricular activities. I have been quite impressed with Kayleigh! In my opinion, she is most deserving for selection of a GEF scholarship this year. The FYSP for which Kayleigh was selected supports students actively pursuing an engineering degree who demonstrate a financial need and an interest in promoting underrepresented and underserved groups in engineering. I have been impressed with Kayleigh and how hard working and detail-oriented she has been through our interactions this semester. I have found her to perform exceptionally well academically. My direct observation of Kayleigh is that she works hard to get the job done correctly and on time while also being extremely detailed and organized. Through my interactions with Kayleigh, I am confident that she will have tremendous successes in our program. Further, she is well liked not only by her peers, but faculty and staff within our college. I have been most impressed by Kayleigh’s involvement and leadership in co-curricular and extracurricular activities. Not only is she engaged within our college as a contributing member to the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), but also the Russell Community Council and Latinos Interested in the Students of Tomorrow. As a result, Kayleigh is taking full advantage of opportunities both within and outside the classroom. Kayleigh’s ability to balance her active participation in these activities coupled with success in the engineering classroom speaks to her discipline, dedication, and drive to succeed in all that she participates in. Kayleigh is a fantastic candidate for GEF Scholarship and I strongly recommend her to you without reservation. If you have any additional questions, please contact me by phone at 706-542-9480 or by email at sdurham@uga.edu. Sincerely, Stephan A. Durham, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE Interim Dean and Juneau Construction Company Professor in Civil Engineering
Greetings, I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Garrett Moore for this scholarship. As a close friend of Garrett since the sixth grade and someone who does community service with him, I have had the privilege of witnessing his remarkable growth and evolution into the talented and compassionate individual he is today. Garrett is not only an outstanding student, consistently achieving A grades, but he is also a true all-rounder. His skills in coding and programming are impressive, and his creativity shines through in various forms, whether he is crafting something unique or playing musical instruments like the trombone and guitar. His diverse talents speak to his dedication and passion for learning, and I have no doubt that he will excel in any endeavor he pursues. What sets Garrett apart, however, is not just his academic prowess or artistic abilities, but his exceptional character. He has held leadership positions in numerous extracurricular activities, including serving as president of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Gaming Club. His outgoing personality makes him not only an approachable and likable person but also a beacon of guidance for those around him. Garrett embodies the qualities of a great leader—he listens, respects, and uplifts others without judgment. Beyond his leadership and academic achievements, Garrett has a genuine heart for service. I remember our experience volunteering together at Operation Lunchbox, where we packed food for less fortunate students. It was inspiring to see him engage wholeheartedly in the work, deriving joy from helping others. His commitment to community service was further evident when I shared my experiences in a service I am part of which provides meals and essentials to homeless individuals in downtown Atlanta. Garrett's eagerness to join me in this initiative reflected his innate desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others. At the service I would often observe his behavior, seeing the joy selfless service brought him made me feel proud to call Garrett Moore my friend. Garrett's humility is equally commendable. Despite his numerous accolades and accomplishments, he remains down-to-earth and approachable. He treats everyone with kindness and respect, creating an environment where others feel valued and heard. It is a rare quality to find someone so exceptionally talented yet so grounded, and it is a privilege to call him my friend. I wholeheartedly believe that Garrett Moore is an ideal candidate for this scholarship. His blend of intellect, creativity, leadership, and compassion makes him not only an outstanding student but also a remarkable human being. I am confident that he will continue to shine and contribute positively to society as he pursues his future aspirations. Thank you for considering Garrett for this opportunity. Please feel free to reach out if you require any further information. Sincerely, Anahat Bawa (678)790-1435
Dear Scholarship Committee, My name is Steven LaRocca and I am a high school audio engineering career and technical education teacher in the New York City Department of Education. I am also the executive director of production at Salem Church in Staten Island, New York. I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Aiden Kurian for your prestigious scholarship. I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Aiden for three years when he volunteered with the production team at Salem Church. Aiden demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. When volunteering at Salem Church, he was an invaluable member to our production team. As the executive director of production, I have had the opportunity to observe Aiden's work ethic firsthand. He is a reliable and hardworking individual who is always willing to lend a helping hand. Aiden's ability to quickly grasp new concepts and apply them effectively is truly impressive. He has been instrumental in implementing various technical aspects of our productions, and his contributions have significantly enhanced the overall quality of our events. I wholeheartedly believe that Aiden is an exceptional candidate for your scholarship. His academic excellence, dedication to community service, and strong work ethic make him a deserving recipient. I am confident that he will continue to excel in his academic pursuits and make a positive impact on the world. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information. Sincerely, Steven LaRocca Steven.LaRocca@salemchurch.nyc.org 917-991-8046
September 28, 2024 This recommendation is in support of Valerie Ellis, who is currently in my First Year Odyssey course at UGA. Valerie is an organized and focused individual with remarkable intellectual curiosity. Her punctuality and engagement in the class has also been impressive, as her contributions are consistently logical and relevant. She has emerged as one of the leaders in class, including taking the lead on a recently assigned group presentation. She is responsible and relates well with me and her classmates. I am happy to recommend her for your favorable consideration. Akinloye Ojo Professor and Director.
To the Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarship reviewers, I am writing to recommend Katie Ciavola for the Georgia Engineering Foundation scholarship opportunities. In my role as a research engineer specializing in design and engineering education, I’ve had the pleasure of having Katie as a student in my sophomore engineering design studio (referred to as ME 2110) Fall 2023 at Georgia Tech. She demonstrates the good academics, school and community involvement, and interest in an engineering career that the scholarship is looking for in an undergraduate student pursuing engineering. Katie turned in high quality deliverables, both individual and group. She was one of the few students who consistently went to office hours and was open to feedback for improvement. She clearly loves to learn and successfully applies knowledge learned. Her strong engineering skills are demonstrated by having the best CAD and construction in the section, her creative ideation showed in unique ideas and easily understandable technical communication, and her problem-solving abilities were constantly tested when coding and prototyping across all projects. She actively looks for more manufacturing and prototyping courses to take, including an industrial design minor and volunteering her remaining time as a prototyping instructor (PI) in the Invention Studio, a student-run makerspace. Katie is a natural leader. She convinced her former GT cheer teammates to sign up for 2110 the same semester to help each other succeed with their busy schedules. They showed up to my office hours as well, and they have mentioned her motivation during competitions, lifting their spirits during stressful times and leading celebration during team victories. In the course, lots of students looked up to her in a similar manner. When it came to team formation, she was the most requested teammate out of 19 students, being requested by over half of the class. Her peer evaluations throughout the semester supported this, regularly scoring full marks from all of her teammates. For 2110, her group finished in the semifinals of the Final Competition and first in Design Review out of 84 teams, which is a testament to her dedication and collaboration on a team project. One overlooked skillset that the engineering industry needs are technically knowledgeable mentors. Especially for women and other minorities in STEM, it’s easy to doubt one’s capabilities without a person providing encouraging and honest advice. For mentorship, not only did her teammates ask for her support and advice, but other students in the section would also approach her when they felt stuck during prototyping. Katie mentioned she enjoys building self-confidence and sharing knowledge with others, and that was why she became a PI at the Invention Studio and a grader for the dynamics course. When I have down time between meetings at the mechanical engineering building, I sit outside at the tables outside the makerspaces. I see her almost every time I am there regardless of what time of day it is. After taking ME 2110, she spends as much of her free time prototyping or teaching others to prototype. Her ability to explain a concept to others makes her a desirable mentor. Even the graduate teaching assistants for 2110 approached me about her interest in becoming an undergraduate teaching assistant for the course. I believe these qualities make Katie Ciavola a great candidate to represent and be supported by the Georgia Engineering Foundation scholarships. She recently became an ambassador for Georgia Tech’s mechanical engineering department, interacting with high students from all over Georgia. Her actions and time spent giving back to her community truly shows that she believes in the career that being a mechanical engineering student can not only give her, but others who are interested in this direction as well. Her ability to autonomously produce high-quality work, build self-confidence to others and improve the learning experience for other students is a desirable trait for her classmates, instructors, and future colleagues in industry. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. Sincerely, Nisha Detchprohm Research Engineer I at Georgia Institute of Technology Center of Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC)
September 27, 2024 Georgia Engineering Foundation Attn: Scholarship Review Committee Harris Tower, Suite 700 233 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30303 RE: Letter of Support for Mr. Benny Zheng for the Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarships Dear Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarship Review Committee, With the strongest possible support, I recommend Benny Zheng for this year’s Georgia Engineering Foundation (GEF) Scholarship. I have known Benny since March 2024 when he applied for and was selected for our prestigious First Year Scholars Program (FYSPS) within the University of Georgia’s (UGA) College of Engineering. Benny is pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree at UGA and is currently enrolled in my First Year Seminar: Engineering Exploration, Leadership, and Service this semester. I have been quite impressed with Benny! It is because of his discipline and dedication to academic excellence and his genuine personality to serve his program and others that makes him the ideal candidate for your scholarship. In my opinion, he is very deserving of a GEF scholarship this year. The FYSP for which Benny was selected supports students actively pursuing an engineering degree who demonstrate a financial need and an interest in promoting underrepresented and underserved groups in engineering. I recall Benny’s application last spring where he commented on wanting to use his future engineering degree to impact society and change the world. His writing and ideas were beyond that of a graduating high school student. Needless to say, I was very impressed! While this semester is over one-third complete, Benny has excelled in every assignment and tasks given to him. I challenge my students to research and devise solutions to complex problems. One such project includes him being paired with two other engineering students of different disciplines and devising and explaining how the three different engineering disciplines might work together to solve a problem. This exercise is meant to illustrate to the students that problems are best solved through a multidisciplinary approach. Benny has taken charge with this team and they are set to deliver an excellent presentation to the class next week. Although Benny only began at UGA in August, he has already become a member and actively engaged in the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE). His engagement at this level is promising and indicates potential for him to become a future leader of the organization as he progresses through his program at UGA. Benny is a fantastic candidate for GEF Scholarship and I strongly recommend him to you without reservation. If you have any additional questions, please contact me by phone at 706-542-9480 or by email at sdurham@uga.edu. Sincerely, Stephan A. Durham, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE Interim Dean and Juneau Construction Company Professor in Civil Engineering
Dear Scholarship Committee, I wholeheartedly recommend Maan Patel for the George B. Hightower Memorial Scholarship. As the Assistant Principal at Kennesaw Mountain High School, I enjoyed observing Maan's remarkable journey for four years. I can confidently say he embodies the qualities of an ideal scholarship candidate. Maan's academic prowess is truly exceptional. In High School, Maan consistently demonstrated academic excellence; he maintained a cumulative GPA of 4.643 while excelling in a rigorous curriculum that included 16 Advanced Placement and four Post AP courses. Maan Patel's dedication to his studies is evidenced by his impressive SAT score of 1430 and ACT score of 32. Maan's academic accomplishments had earned him the prestigious UGA Merit Award, placing him in the top 5% of his graduating class. These achievements not only reflect his intellectual capabilities but also his perseverance and commitment to excellence. Maan's passion for engineering is not just a hobby, it's a calling. This is evident through his internships, where he gained hands-on experience in both civil engineering and robotics. At STV Incorporated, he shadowed engineers and participated in projects that shaped his understanding of infrastructure design. Additionally, as a Robot Technician at Gozio Health, he managed maintenance operations for medical robots, applying his technical skills to solve real-world problems. This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience makes Maan uniquely qualified for a career in engineering. Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, Maan is deeply committed to community service. In his four years at Kennesaw Mountain High, Maan contributed over 1,200 hours to various local events, including the Pig and Peaches Event and The Big Shanty Festival. His ability to coordinate and lead efforts behind the scenes demonstrates his selflessness and commitment to positively impacting our community. Maan was an active member of the KMHS Math Team and National Honor Society and a dedicated tennis team athlete, showcasing his versatility and team spirit. Maan's leadership style is not just about leading; it's about inspiring. It is characterized by humility and integrity. Maan inspired his peers to engage in community service and take on leadership roles, often guiding them without seeking personal recognition. Maan Patel's genuine desire to uplift those around him speaks volumes about his character and commitment to ethical leadership. In summary, Maan Patel is a remarkable young man whose academic achievements, dedication to engineering, community involvement, and ethical leadership make him an exceptional candidate for the George B. Hightower Memorial Scholarship. I am confident that he will continue to excel and represent your foundation with integrity and passion. Thank you for considering Maan for this opportunity. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions. Sincerely, Billy Richardson Assistant Principal KMHS (2002-2024) Assistant Principal CVHS (2024- )
September 27, 2024 Georgia Engineering Foundation Attn: Scholarship Review Committee Harris Tower, Suite 700 233 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30303 RE: Letter of Support for Ms. Nicole Volk for the Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarships Dear Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarship Review Committee, With the strongest possible support, I recommend Nicole Volk for this year’s Georgia Engineering Foundation (GEF) Scholarship. I have only known Nicole since March 2024 when she applied for and was accepted into our prestigious cohort of the University of Georgia College of Engineering’s First Year Scholars Program (FYSPS). Nicole is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree at UGA and is currently enrolled in my First Year Seminar: Engineering Exploration, Leadership, and Service this semester. I have been quite impressed with Nicole! It is because of her discipline and dedication to academic excellence and her genuine personality to serve her program and others that makes her the ideal candidate for your scholarship. In my opinion, she is most deserving for selection of a GEF scholarship this year. The FYSP for which Nicole was selected supports students actively pursuing an engineering degree who demonstrate a financial need and an interest in promoting underrepresented and underserved groups in engineering. I have been impressed with Nicole and how hard working and detail-oriented she has been through our interactions this semester. I have found her to perform exceptionally well academically. My direct observation of Nicole is that she works hard to get the job done correctly and on time while also being extremely detailed and organized. Through my interactions with Nicole, I am confident that she will have tremendous successes in our program. Further, she is well liked not only by her peers, but faculty and staff within our college. During our class, Nicole is often the student that asks the questions during class that generates great discussions that link the in-class technical content to more practical engineering concepts. What has been most exciting about Nicole is that she enters her academic program at UGA already having engineering internship experience. She worked as an intern for GPD Group in Atlanta, GA. Her responsibilities during this work experience have not only strengthened her desire for pursuing engineering, but given her the confidence in her abilities as a future engineer. Nicole is a fantastic candidate for GEF Scholarship and I strongly recommend her to you without reservation. If you have any additional questions, please contact me by phone at 706-542-9480 or by email at sdurham@uga.edu. Sincerely, Stephan A. Durham, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE Interim Dean and Juneau Construction Company Professor in Civil Engineering