To wrap up the 2020 spring semester, the Graduate Student Association, or GSA, announced multiple award winners. They came from every department and overcame a competitive application process. 

“Receiving such an award is great. It gave me a great boost that refueled me with energy and enthusiasm to keep the good work especially in this hard time,” said Rami Chkaiban of the pavement engineering program. 

“In addition, it gives me a great feeling that my hard work through the year was recognized by an unbiased and professional jury,” he said. 

“Being an international student with off-campus work restrictions, I believe that any form of scholarships including the Outstanding Graduate Student Award can help us avoid debts so that we can put more focus on our coursework and research,” said Mukesh Gautam of electrical engineering.

In order to receive the Outstanding International Graduate Student award, recipients must be registered, full-time graduate students (9 credits or 6 credits with an assistantship) in good academic standing at the time of application, attending the University on an F-1 or J-1 visa, and enrolled in the upcoming fall semester. 

“I am honored to receive the Outstanding International Graduate Student Award. I am thankful to Dr. Pradeep Menezes and the mechanical engineering department for providing me all the opportunities to grow as a researcher,” said Ashish Kasar, a Ph.D. student. “This award from the Graduate Student Association will help me to continue my research activities smoothly.”

The purpose of the Graduate Student Association is to promote the welfare and interests of the graduate students of the University.

“The Graduate Student Association awards are an indication that quality students are excelling in our programs,” said Manos Maragakis, dean of the College of Engineering. “It showcases how globally competitive the College is with its recruitment of exemplary students as well.”