UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS
Academic Achievement
This award is given to students who excel in academics in the Department.
Brandon Auyeung, BS CE, brings a joy to learning that is infectious; his curiosity, academic achievements, and ability to empower his peers reflects his proactiveness, thoughtfulness, and unwillingness to settle for "good enough". Congratulations, Brandon!
Mary Hebert, BS CE, joined the CE program as a post-bac student, having previously taught math for several years. Mary has been involved in outreach efforts and student groups, sharing her wisdom and love of lifelong learning. Congratulations, Mary!
Department Service
This award is given to students who demonstrate exceptional service to the Department and other students.
Brandon Auyeung, BS CE has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to the civil engineering profession through his involvement in student groups and uplifting his peers as an embedded tutor. Brandon goes above and beyond, offering to perform additional tasks and supporting students over email and in-person; but it’s his genuine passion for the profession and the learning process that reminds students, staff, and faculty alike why we love what we do. Congratulations to Brandon on this well-deserved award!
Outstanding Undergraduate
Award is given to the student(s) who demonstrates through any combination of academic achievement, character, or presence as modeling the ideal Viking CEE undergraduate
Iman Ahmad, BS CE, has been an all around outstanding student with her consistent involvement in ASCE, her positive attitude, and curiosity in class. She shows the combination of academic achievement, service, and leadership that exemplifies an outstanding PSU student. Iman has also been involved as an undergraduate researcher with the geotechnical engineering group, performing her field work meticulously and professionally. Congratulations to Iman!
Katie Denman, BS CE, rose to the challenge of running ASCE with grace and skill. Her leadership as ASCE president in helping organize, rallying folks to volunteer, and setting processes to help future ASCE leaders has been outstanding. She has achieved so much, with reviving and supporting the Concrete Canoe, engaging with local Oregon ASCE chapters, and overseeing finances. Along with her work as ASCE president, she was a student worker in CEE, supporting the Department staff, faculty, and her peers. Congratulations to Katie on this well-deserved award!
Perseverance Award
For exceptional determination, resilience, and grit in the face of extraordinary challenges
Shea Ashurst, BS CE, is a testament to how perseverance leads to success. Originally joining CEE in 2009, Shea is planning to graduate with her BS CE degree this fall. She has excelled in both her academic pursuits and Department service, balancing these responsibilities effectively. She sets a great example of other returning students, demonstrating how hard work and active engagement allow one to truly thrive in an academic environment. Congratulations to Shea!
GRADUATE AWARDS
Academic Achievement
This award is given to students who excel in academics in the Department.
Amir Barati Nia, PhD. From Amir's advisor, Dr. Diane Moug, "Amir's dedication to his PhD work greatly advanced the geotech lab's testing capability and quality; no detail was overlooked!”
Sophia Semensky, MS. From Dr. Sirisha Kothuri, "Congratulations to Sophia on receiving an academic achievement award from PSU, it's so well deserved! It was truly a pleasure working with Sophia. Her dedication, talent, and incredible work made a real difference. Wishing her all the best in everything ahead, she's going to do amazing things!”
Tianxiang Lan, MEng. From Dr. Thomas Schumacher, "He's one of those students who will ask questions that I don't know the answer to. I always liked having him in class for that. Top notch!”
Department Service
This award is given to students who demonstrate exceptional service to the Department and other students.
Duncan Turley, MS. Duncan graduated with his BS ENVE degree from PSU in 2024, and jumped right into the MS graduate program with his advisor, Dr. Samantha Hartzell. Duncan has been a well-adored teaching assistant for civil and environmental engineering students, receiving many thanks and accolades from our juniors and seniors who have requested we "clone" Duncan. He has been willing and flexible to help when needed, often volunteering to help before the ask is said out loud. His advisor Dr. Hartzell says that, "Duncan has consistently volunteered to perform service for the department, both internal and external to PSU. He has volunteered at a multitude of outreach events, including bring your kids to campus day, tours for St. Mary's high school, a visit to Clackamas Community college, and more." He is reliable, thoughtful, and willing to step up to support the Department and CEE students. Congratulations to Duncan for this well-deserved award!
Outstanding Graduate Student
Award is given to the student who demonstrates through any combination of academic achievement, character, or presence as modeling the ideal Viking CEE graduate.
Elias Peters, MS and MURP. Elias has a lot on his plate as a dual-degree master's student and his multiple years as President of the ITE-STEP student group at PSU. His advisor, Dr. Jason Anderson, shares that, "Elias is a fantastic student, that’s all there is to it. Elias’ work speaks for itself, as does his GPA; also, he is completing two degrees. Elias has also been the primary person for STEP-ITE, where he has organized numerous events, trips, etc. to enhance the learning experience for transportation-focused students. Elias has published work and presented at prestigious conferences, in addition to serving on local community boards for bicycle advocacy groups. Elias volunteers to help improve bicycle and pedestrian activity by helping agency with counts, public transportation promotion, and safety. Elias is a perfect candidate for Outstanding Student.” Congratulations to Elias for this well-deserved award!