Woolpert, in partnership with the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) Department at Oklahoma State University (OSU), recently selected OSU BAE students Rachel Carson, Taber Midgley and Kevin Stunkel as the 2008 participants for the Woolpert Scholars program.
This program is designed to attract students to the practice of engineering by giving them firsthand experience and exposure to engineers in the workplace. The program was created by Dr. Bill Barfield, a senior Woolpert engineer and Professor Emeritus at OSU. Barfield developed the program a year ago when challenged to find a way for companies to interact directly with students who may be future employees.
The 2008 school year will mark the second year Woolpert and the BAE program at OSU have partnered to carry out the program, which exposes students to typical engineering practices as well as engineering research and development to better prepare them for their careers.
“After completing a successful first year, it was decided that the program would continue into 2008 as we feel that Woolpert, Oklahoma State University and, most importantly, the students have greatly benefited from the many educational and preparatory opportunities this program presents,” said Clarence Robbins, Woolpert senior vice president and water management service director.
Dr. Ron Elliott, BAE head, agrees.
“Our students gain a great deal from working on real-world projects with Woolpert mentors and OSU faculty advisors,” Elliott said. “The Woolpert Scholar program provides a significant enrichment opportunity and helps to prepare our students for the 21st century workplace.”
Students accepted into the two-semester program will enroll in a special topics course each semester and will develop a final report on their project. Participants are paired with faculty advisors and Woolpert staff mentors to serve as advisors to the students throughout the project.
To be considered for the program, applicants must be current undergraduate or graduate students in the BAE Environment and Natural Resources Engineering program at OSU; maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 for undergraduates and 3.5 for graduates; and follow specific application requirements.
Students who participate in the program have the potential to work as student interns with Woolpert the summer following their completion of the scholar program.
Source: Woolpert, Inc.
