2009-2010 MSE Undergraduate Awards

Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) undergraduates were among the award recipients at the 2009-2010 A. James Clark School of Engineering's Honors and Awards Ceremony, held April 21. The event honors students from all departments who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, research, and contributions to their departments or fields. MSE Professor and Chair Robert M. Briber presented the department's awards, while Dean Darryll Pines presented awards to students who were recognized at the Clark School-level.

This year, the awards and their recipients were:

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

Awarded to Michael Grapes

Mike is a senior who will graduate in May. He has achieved a 3.94 GPA and will attend graduate school in the fall. He was elected to Alpha Sigma Mu, the professional materials science and engineering honor society in 2009. Since 2008, Mike has worked on research at the Army Research Laboratory in the area of thin films. Mike has also been active in choral activities at the University of Maryland.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering’s Outstanding Materials Student Service Award
The Outstanding Materials Student Service Award is presented to a graduating senior in the department for outstanding service to the department's recruiting efforts plus service to society.

Awarded to Karam Hijji and Christine Lau

Karam (left) is a senior who will graduate in May. He has served as the President of the MatES, the Materials Science and Engineering for the past two years. He has also served as a Clark School Ambassador. Karam has been very active in service to the Department. Karam was elected to Alpha Sigma Mu, the professional materials science and engineering honor society in 2009. Karam has also been active in research while at Maryland. He will continue his education in either the medical or legal profession.

Christine (left) is a senior who will graduate in May. She is a Clark School Ambassador and has served as the Secretary of MatES, the Materials Science and Engineering student society. Christine has been very active in service to the Department, always willing to participate in outreach activities. She was elected to Alpha Sigma Mu, the professional materials science and engineering honor society in 2009. She has also been active in research activities while a student at Maryland. Christine also is active in the University of Maryland Gamer Symphony Orchestra and TerpWushu.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering Student Research Award

Awarded to Stephen Kitt and Ashley Lidie

Stephen (left, working in the lab) is a senior who will graduate in May. He participated in the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program working on flexible electronic materials. He is listed as a co-author on two publications (Materials Science Forum and Applied Physics Letters) which resulted from this research. Stephen is currently involved in research on magnetic properties of materials in the Department. Stephen was elected to Alpha Sigma Mu, the professional materials science and engineering honor society in 2009. After graduation, Stephen will pursue a career in materials science and engineering.

Ashley (left, receiving an award from Dean Darryll Pines) is a senior who is participating in the department’s 5 year BS/MS program. She will graduate in May with her B.S. and begin her graduate program in June, working on solid oxide fuel cells under the direction of Professor Eric Wachsman. Ashley has been active in research in ceramic processing and materials characterization at the Army Research Laboratory in Aberdeen, Maryland since June 2007. This work has resulted in several publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Ashley has been very actively involved in the Department and the College, serving as the President of the Engineering Student Council, Vice-President of MatES (the Materials Science and Engineering Student Group), and a Clark School Ambassador. She was elected to Alpha Sigma Mu, the professional materials science and engineering honor society in 2009. Ashley will likely pursue a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering after she completed her Masters degree.

Ashley also received the 2009-2010 A. James Clark School of Engineering Dean's Award, which is presented to a senior for academic excellence, leadership, and service to the Clark School.

Congratulations to all of our students!

Published April 28, 2010