Pictured left to right: Francie Tolle-Director of Development, DASNR; Dr. Ron Elliott-Department Head, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Dr. Bill Barfield-Emeritus Professor and former department head, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Dr. Ed Miller-Associate Dean of Academic Programs, CASNR; Jason Caniglia-Assistant Vice President of Development, OSU Foundation; Dr. Karl N. Reid-Dean, College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology; Kenneth Bullock-Vice President, Woolpert, Inc.; Dr. David Thompson-Associate Dean of Instruction and Extension CEAT

Woolpert, Inc. and Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Oklahoma State University are partnering to create the OSU/Woolpert Scholars program for outstanding undergraduate and graduate Biosystems Engineering students at OSU. The program is designed to expose students to typical engineering practice and engineering research and development to better prepare them for their careers.

The two-semester program will be open to students each spring semester. Students accepted into the program are required to enroll in a special topics course each semester and will be expected to develop a final report on their project. Participants will be paired with faculty advisors and Woolpert staff mentors to advise them throughout their project.

“Our staff will contribute to this program not only financially, but also by investing time in these projects with students to help them better understand the career they are about to enter,” said Clarence Robbins, Woolpert water management service director. “Mentoring these students will provide them with a great deal of insight conducting engineering problem solving as well as research and development.”

To be considered for the program, applicants must be undergraduate or graduate students in the BAE Environment and Natural Resources Engineering program; possess a grade point average of at least 3.0 for undergraduates and 3.5 for graduates; and follow the application requirements, which include providing the following:

• Application form with contact information, university records, completed engineering courses, work experience, extracurricular activities, and selected advisor
• Letter from proposed advisor
• Reference letter from individual other than advisor
• Transcripts from all higher education institutions attended
• Essay demonstrating applicant’s understanding of project and proposed approach
• Description of approximately 150 words about applicant, their career objectives, how project will contribute to career objectives, and why they should be selected.

Students participating in the program will receive a $3,000 scholarship during the academic year and have the potential to be selected to work as a student intern with Woolpert the summer following their completion of the scholar program. “We’re very grateful for Woolpert’s generosity and vision in establishing this unique program,” said Ron Elliott, BAE department head. “Our students will benefit tremendously from the opportunity to tackle real-world problems and interact with industry professionals.”

Woolpert hosted a free dinner for students on April 25 in the Noble Research Center atrium to discuss details of the program with students. During the dinner, Woolpert Vice President Kenneth Bullock presented the OSU Foundation with a $25,000 check to support the scholars program.

Woolpert hires Biosystems Engineering students on a regular basis. For the last five years, Woolpert has been working with Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering students and faculty at OSU in engineering research and development (R&D). This scholar program is an outgrowth of the R&D effort.

Woolpert, Inc., ranked by ENR as a top national design firm, provides professional engineering, architectural, geospatial and related consulting services to clients in the public and private sectors. Founded in 1911, Woolpert’s innovative design approach and commitment to the creative application of technology have grown the firm into a leader in the consulting industry.

For more Woolpert news releases, go to www.woolpert.com.

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