PULLMAN, Wash. – The Washington State University College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) announced the names of outstanding students, faculty and staff at its annual convocation ceremony last week. Award winners include:
Outstanding sophomore: Christine Louie is a chemical engineering student who grew up in Richland, Wash. She has interned at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Sage Tec. She plans to pursue graduate education in nuclear engineering. She is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and is on the WSU president’s honor roll.
Outstanding junior: Jeff Epperson is a chemical engineering student from Stanwood, Wash., who serves as a student senator for CEA. He is a Boeing scholar and secretary of the Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society. He worked as a research assistant on a WSU biomass conversion project. He is a member of the WSU Student Entertainment Board’s concert committee and enjoys playing music and sports.
Outstanding senior: Originally from Stafford, Va., Breanna Bence is majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in French. This is her second year in a row to receive the outstanding student award. She is a Harold Frank engineering entrepreneurship fellow and is developing a business venture model. She will work as an intern for BP in Anchorage, Alaska after graduating in December.
Outstanding teaching assistant: Originally from Okanogan, Wash., civil engineering graduate student Brent Olson instructed two semesters of the mechanics of materials course (CE 215). He is specializing in structural engineering and plans to go into industry. He has enjoyed mentoring students, something he hopes to translate into good managing skills in his career.
“Professor Olson’s biggest strength was his ability to adapt to different learning styles and his willingness to change his approach if we did not understand concepts,” wrote one student in support of Olson’s nomination.
Anjan Bose outstanding researcher: Haifang Wen, Colf Distinguished Professor in civil engineering, has developed a national and international reputation in sustainable infrastructure. He researches pavement materials, use of recycled materials and byproducts, and pavement evaluation and rehabilitation.
He has been involved in more than $17 million in research grants from national and state agencies. He has authored or co-authored 29 journal articles, advises eight students and received WSU’s outstanding mentor award in 2009. He serves on the editorial board of the ASCE Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities and has served on four committees of the National Academy of Engineering and ASCE in transportation research.
The award was created by the college advisory board, friends and alumni to honor Bose for his service as dean, support of faculty scholarship and international reputation for research.
Reid Miller outstanding teaching – tenured or tenure-track faculty: John Schneider, associate dean for undergraduate programs and student services and associate professor in electrical engineering and computer science, is a versatile instructor who has taught 20 different courses, several of which he developed or redesigned, and has taught at every level, from freshmen to graduate students.
Several students and former students said he had a significant impact and inspired them to pursue their studies and careers in computer science and electrical engineering.
“Dr. Schneider … cares to teach traits that will help students survive in an academic environment and throughout their lives,” wrote a student. “He’ll always be my role model for teaching.’’
Reid Miller outstanding teaching – nontenure track faculty: Karl Olsen is a clinical assistant professor teaching in civil and environmental engineering and researching new methods to provide students with the most effective learning environment.
He has received several grants to improve engineering curriculum and has collaborated in teaching across disciplinary boundaries. He established a virtual computer lab that provides students with consistent and reliable computing experience. In his IDEX class, he blends research, design, industry and societal aspects.
“Karl’s teaching style provided me with the conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills that are essential in order to succeed in the engineering industry,’’ wrote a former student.
The awards were created by the advisory board to honor Miller for his career as a faculty member and as dean.
Employee of the year: Tyler Strom, undergraduate academic coordinator in mechanical and materials engineering (MME), coordinates branch campus undergraduate programs. He computerized the MME undergraduate advising system, making it more efficient and effective. He developed an online application process for the Bremerton and Everett programs that is easily accessible by faculty and staff on multiple campuses.
Outstanding staff:
Robin Bielenberg, program specialist, performs multiple duties for the development office including managing events, processing gifts and tracking budgets. Her exemplary service enabled several events with “high-level” aerospace industry representatives over the past year.
Jaime Rice – graduate coordinator in design and construction – organizes programs, scheduling, study tours and advising. She improves and updates the website. She volunteered for additional duties, such as the scholarship committee, mentors others and works well by herself and in team environments.
Vicki Ruddick, principal assistant in civil and environmental engineering, has served five department chairs and manages much of day-to-day operations. When CEE lost an employee, Ruddick took over purchasing, graduate applications and sponsored project budgetary issues for several months until the position was filled. “She dropped everything she was doing to help me feel welcome,’’ recalled one former student. After three decades of service, Ruddick will retire in May.