Student excellence recognized in 2018 Honors Banquet

About 100 students were recognized during the 2018 NPRE & ANS Honors Banquet.

Held in April in conjunction with the American Nuclear Society at Illinois Student Chapter organization, the NPRE event recognizes students for earning awards from the Department, College of Engineering, campus, national organizations and corporate partners. The event is sponsored in part by the Edward E. Mineman Memorial Endowment Fund. NPRE alumnus Edward F. Mineman, BS 84, and his brother Blaine A. Mineman, AB 85, Political Science, MBA 87, established the fund to honor their father.

NPRE Departmental Awards

The NPRE Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards to a Graduating Senior are presented to graduating seniors with the highest cumulative grade point averages.

• Andreas M. Giakas of Rockford, IL
• Xinyao Liang of Beijing, People’s Republic of China
• Jeremy J.H. Mettler of Sioux Falls, SD
• Grant M. Schumock of Geneva, IL

The NPRE Outstanding Undergraduate Research Awards are presented to undergraduate students who have performed exemplary research in the Department.

• Zachary J. Jeckell of Silvis, IL
• Jeremy J.H. Mettler of Sioux Falls, SD
• Xinyao Liang of Beijing, People’s Republic of China
• Gyutae Park of Pusan, South Korea
• Andrew J. Shone of Saint Charles, IL

The Catherine Pritchard Undergraduate Scholarships, honoring former NPRE secretary Catherine Pritchard, are presented to students who have shown academic ability and activities leadership during their first three years, to be used during the senior year of study.

• Isabella M. Iaccino of Iverness, IL
• Kelsey E. Luo of Woodridge, IL
• Jacob A. Tellez of Monument, CO

The Roy A. Axford Undergraduate Scholarship, honoring NPRE Emeritus Prof. Roy A. Axford, is presented to continuing students of high academic ability and achievement.

• William R. Brockschmidt of Jacksonville, IL
• Heyuan Huang of Beijing, People’s Republic of China

The George H. Miley/Low Energy Nuclear Reactions (LENR) Undergraduate Scholarship, honoring NPRE Emeritus Prof. George H. Miley, is presented to highly motivated, continuing undergraduate students in the Department.

• Dario G. Panici of New Lenox, IL
• Cody D. Moynihan of Milstadt, IL

The Bruce W. Spencer Graduate Scholarship was established in memory of alumnus Bruce W. Spencer, who earned a master’s degree in 1965 and a Ph.D. in 1970 in Nuclear Engineering. Spencer built his career in experimental reactor safety research until his death in 2001. The scholarship is awarded to a graduate student of high academic standing whose research promises to advance the state of nuclear engineering, specifically as it relates to reactor safety.

• Majdi I.A. Radaideh of Jordan

The Daniel F. Hang Outstanding Senior Design Award was created in honor of the late Emeritus Prof. Daniel F. Hang, one of the Department’s founders. Hang, who died at the age of 95 in December 2013, was passionate about nuclear engineering design, and emphasized the coupling of economics analysis with successful design work. He also strongly advocated students becoming licensed Professional Engineers.

• The 2017 Hang Award was presented to Jin Whan Bae of Champaign, IL; Kathryn A. Mummah of Wheaton, IL; Alexander J. Lopez of White Plains, NY; and Daniel J. O’Grady of Evergreen Park, IL

American Nuclear Society Student Chapter Awards

The Student Chapter of the American Nuclear Society selects the ANS Undergraduate Outstanding Service Award recipient. The undergraduate students who have most actively supported the ANS Student Chapter and its programs throughout the academic year are honored.

• Isabella M. Iaccino of Iverness, IL
• Jacob A. Tellez of Monument, CO

The Student Chapter of the American Nuclear Society selects the ANS Graduate Outstanding Service Award recipient. The graduate students who have most actively supported the ANS Student Chapter and its programs throughout the academic year are honored.

• Katherine C. Hepler of Urbana, IL
• Gregory R. Romanchek of Lake Forest, IL

College of Engineering Open House

The American Nuclear Society Student Chapter at Illinois was presented the 2018 First Place for Presentation of Society award during EOH 2018. Among exhibits were the Mousetrap Reactor, the Fusor, the DC Glow Chamber, the Can Crusher, Geiger counter and Cloud Champer setups, dosimeters and other applications.

 

American Nuclear Society National Awards

Commendation for Service and Leadership

• Jeremy J.H. Mettler of Sioux Falls, SD

2017 John and Muriel Landis Scholarship

• Andrei Rykhlevskii of Russia

Nuclear Regulatory Commission - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Nuclear Engineering Scholarship and Fellowship Program

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission directs this program that includes support for education in nuclear science and engineering, to develop a workforce capable of supporting the design, construction, operation, and regulation of nuclear facilities and the safe handling of nuclear materials.

Scholarships:

• William R. Brockschmidt of Jacksonville, IL
• Matthew E. Kabelitz of Northbrook, IL
• Nathan M. Kennedy of Crystal Lake, IL
• Tyler R. Kennelly of Oswego, IL
• Matthew J. Kozak of Orland Park, IL
• Kelsey E. Luo of Woodridge, IL
• Jeremy J.H. Mettler of Sioux Falls, SD
• Dario G. Panici of New Lenox, IL
• Dean R. Price of Winter Park, FL
• Grant G. Schumock of Geneva, IL
• Andrew J. Shone of Saint Charles, IL
• Jacob A. Tellez of Monument, CO

Fellowships:

• Nathan E. Colgan of Radnor, PA
• Alexander L. Heald of Bonsall, CA
• Peter A. Mouche of Naperville, IL
• Dominic R. Piedmont of Timonium, MD
• Victoria Riso of Hamburg, NY
• Nathan P. Walter of Evanston, IL

Exelon Corporation - Energy for Education Scholarship

This scholarship program was established to encourage talented students interested in a career with Exelon Corporation. Exelon does business in 48 states, the District of Columbia and Canada, and is one of the largest competitive U.S. power generators.

• Lauren Nicole L. Ditmars of Byron, IL
• Dylan R. Kudia of Plainfield, IL
• Nayeli Lara of West Chicago, IL
• Ryan J. Pullara of Minooka, IL
• Eliza D. Wright of  Naperville, IL

Lam Research Corporation Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Lam Research Corporation, the leading supplier of wafer fabrication equip­ment and services to the global semiconductor industry, has recognized graduate student Matthew M. Szott with the 2017 Lam Research Corporation Scholarship.

• Matthew M. Szott of Orland Park, IL

National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship

The National Science Foundation has awarded a Graduate Research Fellowship to support the studies of Matthew Parsons, who is working with HIDRA, the unique plasma/fusion facility in the Center for Plasma-Material Interactions.

• Matthew S. Parsons of Westminster, MD

U.S. Department of Energy, Nuclear Energy University Program Scholarship

The U.S. Department of Energy awards Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) Scholarships and Fellowships to undergraduates pursuing nuclear energy-related engineering and science degrees.

Scholarships:

• Alyssa L. Hayes of Gurnee, IL
• Grant M. Schumock of Geneva, IL

Continuing Fellowship:

• Joseph L. Bottini of Framingham, MA
• Katherine C. Hepler of Urbana, IL
• Daniel J. O’Grady of Evergreen Park, IL

Consortium for Nonproliferation Enabling Capabilities (CNEC)

Sponsored by the DOE National Nuclear Security Administration CNEC’s goal is to become the preeminent research and education hub dedicated to the development of enabling technologies and technical talent for meeting present and future grand challenges in nuclear nonproliferation. The educa­tion and training of graduate students who are actively involved in research relevant to nonproliferation is a key component of the CNEC mission.

• Karl A. Roth of Martinton, IL

Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration Stewardship Science Graduate Fellowship

Sponsored by the DOE, Heather N. Sandefur of Urbana, IL, is working in the Center for Plasma-Material Interaction on a graduate research fellowship.

• Heather N. Sandefur of Batesville, AR

College of Engineering at Illinois Scholarships

Anthony R. Ruzzo has received the Hilda J. Alseth Scholarship in Engineering. Hilda J. Alseth was the College of Engineering Librarian from 1918 until 1954. The scholarship was established in 1972.

• Anthony R. Ruzzo of Naperville, IL

Karla M. Del Cid-Ledezma has received the Robert K. Baetzmann Scholarship. Robert Baetzmann was a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Illinois from 1930-1932. Through his generosity, the Baetzmann scholarship fund was established in 2005.

• Karla M. Del Cid-Ledezma of Rio Rancho, NM

Alex M. Berowski has received the Contratto St. Clair County Scholarship. The James Contratto Scholarship Fund was established in 2010 as a result of an estate gift from Nina Contratto in memory of her husband, James Contratto, a 1931 Civil Engineering graduate. These scholarships are awarded to engineering students from St. Clair County, Illinois.

• Alex M. Berowski of Smithton, IL

Connor A. Pigg has received the Eggers Engineering Scholarship. Fred A. Eggers was a 1939 graduate of the University of Illinois, having earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. The Fred Eggers Fund was established in 1981.

• Connor A. Pigg of Mount Vernon, IL

Eduardo Orozco Rodriguez and Alyssa L. Hayes hold continuing scholarships from the Engineering Excellence Scholarship Fund. These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate extremely high performance in ACT or SAT examinations and high school work.

• Eduardo Orozo Rodriguez of Chicago, IL
• Alyssa L. Hayes of Gurnee, IL

Five NPRE students have been awarded Engineering Freshmen Scholarships.

• David J. Atwater of Downers Grove, IL
• Michael A. Chiasson of Long Grove, IL
• Andrew Jung Su Kim of La Salle, IL
• Alexander J. Morain of Arlington Heights, IL
• Michael S. Rivkin of Wilmette, IL

The Engineering Visionary Scholarship Endowment Fund boosts the College of Engineering’s ability to bring the best engineers to Illinois by making college more affordable for students and their families. Following is a list of NPRE students who have received the scholarships.

• Adolfo Baca of Addison, IL
• Christopher Bitters of Hinsdale, IL
• Andrew J.H. Ingram of Sidney, IL
• Zachary J. Jeckell of Silvis, IL
• Jazz D. Kroeger of Washington, IL
• Nayeli Lara of Chicago, IL
• Dhruval K. Patel of Hanover Park, IL
• Connor A. Pigg of Mount Vernon, IL
• Eliza D. Wright of Naperville, IL

Zoe R. Richter has received the Wilmer Hellenthal Scholarship. Wilmer Hellenthal was a 1940 graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, having earned his bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering. The Wilmer Hellenthal Scholarship Fund was established in 1993.

• Zoe R. Richter of Manito, IL

Illinois Engineering Achievement Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate extremely high performance in ACT or SAT examinations and high school work

• Alex M. Berowski of Smithton, IL
• Karla M. Del Cid-Ledezma of Rio Rancho, NM
• Matthew J. Kozak of Orland Park, IL
• Jeremy J.H. Mettler of Sioux Falls, SD
• Anthony R. Ruzzo of Naperville, IL

Jazz D. Kroeger received the Sargent and Lundy Engineering Scholarship. The Sargent and Lundy Fund was established in 2000 by a dedicated group of Engineering at Illinois alumni and friends employed at Sargent and Lundy. This fund provides scholarship support to high-achieving students from across the college.

• Jazz D. Kroeger of Washington, IL

The WYSE Scholarship Fund provides merit scholarships to incoming freshmen who place well in the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering academic challenge.

• Alex M. Berowski of Smithton, IL
• Alexander J. Morain of Arlington Heights, IL

The Illinois Scholars Undergraduate Research (ISUR) Program offers selected students a two-semester experience with a research learning community. Through ISUR, students become familiar with research methodologies, develop research skills, gain exposure to what graduate school entails, and gain experience needed for graduate school acceptance. ISUR scholars present their research in an annual expo held in the spring.

• Gregory R. Romanchek of Lake Forest, IL

College of Engineering departments nominate incoming doctoral students from under-represented communities for the SURGE Fellowship program, which the College administers. This fellowship is designed to increase diversity within the engineering student body.

• Michael A. Lively of Royal Oak, MI

Michael A. Lively was accepted as Mavis Future Faculty Fellows for the 2018-19 academic year. The MF3 Program in the College of Engineering was developed to facilitate the training of the next generation of great engineering professors. The three main components to the MF3 Program are research, teaching and mentoring.

• Michael A. Lively of of Royal Oak, MI

The Beckman Graduate Fellows Program, supported by funding from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, offers University of Illinois graduate students at the M.A., M.S., or Ph.D. level the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary research at the Institute.

• Zhikun Cai of China

Alpha Nu Sigma

ANS established Alpha Nu Sigma as a national honor society with the objective to recognize high scholarship, integrity, and potential achievement in nuclear science and engineering.

Continuing Members:

• Jin Whan Bae of Champaign, IL
• Joseph L. Bottini of Framingham, MA
• William R. Brockschmidt of Jacksonville, IL
• Zhikun Cai of Jiaomei Town, China
• Michael P. Christenson of Champaign, IL
• Mikhail S. Finko of Clarendon Hills, IL
• Jonathan George of Bolingbrook, IL
• Andreas M. Giakas of Rockford, IL
• Matthew E. Kabelitz of Northbrook, IL
• Aveek S. Kapat of Oviedo, FL
• Vineet Kumar of Champaign, IL
• Xiang Liu of Zhongxiang, Hubei, China
• Benjamin C. Masters of Urbana, IL
• Jeremy J. Mettler of Sioux Falls, SD
• Peter A. Mouche of Naperville, IL
• Cody D. Moynihan of Milstadt, IL
• Daniel J. O’Grady of Evergreen Park, IL
• Nicholas W. O'Shea of Chicago, IL
• Dhruval K. Patel of Hanover Park, IL
• Pawel A. Piotrowicz of Chicago, IL
• Majdi I.A. Radaideh of Champaign, IL
• Nathan C. Reid of Naperville, IL
• Zoe R. Richter of Manito, IL
• Steven A. Stemmley of Bethalto, IL
• Matthew M. Szott of Orland Park, IL
• Jan P. Uhlig of Chicago, IL
• Xu Wu of Urbana, IL
• Jifu Zhao of Urbana, IL
• Weicheng Zhong of Champaign, IL
• Erik P. Ziehm of Palatine, IL

Senior 100 Honorary

Sponsored by the University of Illinois Alumni Alliance and Student Alumni Ambassadors, Senior 100 Honorary aims to recognize 100 new Illinois graduates for their notable achievements as students as well as their future commitment to the University.

• Jeremy J.H. Mettler of Sioux Falls, SD

Bronze Tablet

Each academic year, the names of students ranking in the top 3 percent of their graduating class are inscribed on a Bronze Tablet. These tablets are on display in the first floor hallway of the Main Library.

• Jeremy J.H. Mettler of Sioux Falls, SD

University of Illinois Chancellor’s Scholars

Chancellor's Scholars are strongly motivated, academically gifted students who excel in leadership. Students participate in honors seminars, attend Scholar Adventurers presentations, and participate in social, intellectual and cultural activities, plus maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.

• Alp Aktuna of Edwardsville, IL
• Alex M. Berowski of Smithton, IL
• William R. Brockschmidt of Jacksonville, IL
• Andew J.H. Ingram of Sidney, IL
• Alexander J. Morain of Arlington Heights, IL
• Dario G. Panici of New Lenox, IL
• Zoe R. Richter of Manito, IL

University of Illinois James Scholars

The James Scholars program is named for the fourth president of the University, Edmund J. James who believed that scholarship and research are fundamental to human progress. During his presidency, from 1904-1920, he brought world-class scholars to campus, developed graduate programs, and fostered community among faculty and students. He helped build Illinois's international reputation.

• Ishaan S. Attri of Princeton Junction, NJ
• Ying Cao of China
• Heyuan Huang of Beijing, People’s Republic of China
• Dylan Irlbeck of Lake Zurich, IL
• Nayeli Lara of Chicago, IL
• Andy Liu of Baton Rouge, LA
• Michelle L. McCord of Canton, GA
• Jeremy J. Mettler of Sioux Falls, SD
• Alexander J. Morain of Arlington Heights, IL
• Cody D. Moynihan of Millstadt, IL
• Dario G. Panici of New Lenox, IL
• Connor A. Pigg of Mount Vernon, IL
• Grant M. Schumock of Geneva, IL
• Jack T. Stahl of Arlington Heights, IL
• James T. Wegner of Naperville, IL
• Eliza D. Wright of Naperville, IL
• Nanyu Zhao of Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China

Engineering at Illinois Dean’s List

Eligible undergraduates must have achieved a GPA for a given semester that places them in the top 20 percent of their college. The following listing is for Spring and Fall 2017.

• David J. Atwater of Downers Grove, IL
• William R. Brockschmidt of Jacksonville, IL
• Ying Cao of China
• Linfeng Chen of Hangzhou, China
• Michael A. Chiasson of Long Grove, IL
• Daniel S. Chiu of Fresh Meadows, NY
• Christian D. Clark of Dixon, IL
• Joshua C. Devorkin of Mequon, WI
• John M. Eastwood of Aurora, IL
• Andrew J. Fink of Libertyville, IL
• Luke M. Gasparich of Elmhurst, IL
• Andreas M. Giakas of Rockford, IL
• Ethan A. Graven of Arlington Heights, IL
• Kyle R. Hamaker of McHenry, IL
• Andrew C. Herschberg of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
• Heyuan Huang of Beijing, People’s Republic of China
• Andrew J.H. Ingram of Sidney, IL
• Dylan Irlbeck of Lake Zurich, IL
• Matthew E. Kabelitz of Northbrook, IL
• August S. Kasten of Champaign, IL
• Nathan M. Kennedy of Crystal Lake, IL
• Tyler R. Kennelly of Oswego, IL
• Alec T. Kleczkowski of Chicago Ridge, IL
• Matthew J. Kozak of Orland Park, IL
• Jazz D. Kroeger of Washington, IL
• Xinyao Liang of Beijing, People’s Republic of China
• Kelsey E. Luo of Woodridge, IL
• Michelle L. McCord of Canton, GA
• Jeremy J. Mettler of Sioux Falls, SD
• Beau K. Minnick of Princeton, IL
• Alexander J. Morain of Arlington Heights, IL
• Cody D. Moynihan of Milstadt, IL
• Dario G. Panici of New Lenox, IL
• Gyutae Park of Pusan, South Korea
• Dhruval K. Patel of Hanover Park, IL
• Connor A. Pigg of Mount Vernon, IL
• Dean R. Price of Winter Park, FL
• Michael S. Rivkin of Wilmette, IL
• Grant M. Schumock of Geneva, IL
• Andrew J. Shone of Saint Charles, IL
• Muzammil A. Siddiqui of Darien, IL
• John B. Smith III of Saint Charles, IL
• James M. Stearns of Elgin, IL
• Stuti R. Surani of Vadodara, India
• Phillip J. Tanton of Kailua, HI
• Matthew A. Weiss of Venon Hills, IL
• Eliza D. Wright of Naperville, IL
• Nanyu Zhao of Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China

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