Archived AMA Student Winners - National Academy of Construction

Spring 2024 Scholarship Winners

Brian Lawson

Field of Study: Civil Engineering, University of New Haven

Future Aspirations: Pursue a career in structural or transportation engineering, and have a meaningful contribution to the field of civil engineering.

Favorite Quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

Neil Patel

Field of Study: M.S. in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Construction Engineering Management from Rutgers University

Future Aspirations: I plan on obtaining my PE in the near future and starting my own general contracting company down the road.

Favorite Quote: "Where there's a will, there's a way." - Unknown

Morgan Dawkins

Field of Study: First Year Undergraduate Student - Architectural Engineering at Pennsylvania State University

Future Aspirations: Through my degree, I plan to pursue my passion of combining my interests in building, designing, and innovation to better the lives of others and create spaces inviting creativity.

Favorite Quote: "There are 360 degrees, so why stick to one?" - Zaha Hadid

Raha Hajiashrafi

Field of Study: Ph.D. student in Construction Management at the Catholic University of America

Future Aspirations: I aim to pursue a career as a forensic scheduler while also aspiring to become a university professor in the field.

Favorite Quote: "This too shall pass." - Attar of Nishapur

Fall 2023 Scholarship Winners

Kenneth Padula

Field of Study: Bachelor of Science in Construction Management with a Minor in Business Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA

Future Aspirations: I plan to work for a General Contractor after graduation and then someday I hope to start my own construction company.

Favorite Quote: "You don't always get what you wish for. But you always get what you work for." - Unknown

In Bae Chung

Field of Study: Ph.D. in Construction Engineering and Project Management at The University of Texas at Austin

Future Aspirations: I hope to become a professor who can make a positive impact in the industry and mentor students to help them succeed in their careers.

Favorite Quote: “Try to leave this world a little better than you found it.” - Sir Robert Baden-Powell

Mariana Merle

Field of Study: Master of Science in Architecture at The University of Texas at San Antonio

Future Aspirations: I aspire to become a registered architect in Texas and someday run my own business.

Favorite Quote: “The power of vulnerability is immeasurable.” – Brené Brown

Spring 2023 Scholarship Winners

Robert Schneider

Field of Study: Clarkson University - Civil Engineering, Minor in Project Management, Concentrations in Structural Engineering and CEM

Future Aspirations: I aspire to implement lean methodology in the heavy civil industry. Following graduation I have accepted a position with Kokosing Construction and in the near future plan on obtaining a PE. I hope to be part of lunar infrastructure projects within my career.

Favorite Quote: The road to success is always under construction. - Lily Tomlin

Alicja Grzegorzek

Field of Study: Construction Management at Michigan Technological University

Future Aspirations: I aspire to become a woman in construction that inspires young girls to enter the construction industry.

Favorite Quote: Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston S. Churchill

Manekar Akula

Field of Study: Civil Engineering at the University of New Haven

Future Aspirations: As I am Civil Engineer, I want to grow as Professional Civil Engineer through which I can offer my services to the society by solving challenges what we are facing in present world.

Favorite Quote: Never say ‘NO’, never say ‘I Cannot’ for you are infinite. All the power is within you. You can do anything. - Swami Vivekananda.

Abugu Christian Toochukwu

Field of Study: Construction Management at the University of Florida

Future Aspirations: I aspire to be a construction firm owner in the United States

Favorite Quote: A man is not finished when he is defeated, he is finished when he quits - Richard Nixon

Fall 2022 Scholarship Winners

Tolulope Opeyemi Sanni

Field of Study: Civil Engineering (Construction Engineering and Management) at the University of Alabama

Future Aspirations: I aspire to work with policy-making international organizations with solutions that will gravitate towards safer and more environmentally friendly construction projects globally as well as being an academician and carrying out innovative research in the built environment on a global scale.

Favorite Quote: Nothing is impossible with God. - Luke 1:37

Beatriz Muniz Silva

Field of Study: I am in my senior year of Civil Engineering at the University of Washington.

Future Aspirations: I aspire to discover and be part of the implementation of more sustainable methods for building efficient and affordable transportation systems.

Favorite Quote: Those who can imagine anything, can create the impossible. – Alan Turning

Kayla Lyons

Field of Study: I am studying Civil Engineering at Oklahoma State University. I am an undergraduate student.

Future Aspirations: I will work for MacArthur Associated consultants after I graduate and I plan to get my F.E., P.E. and hopefully conduct research in the future. I am passionate about learning and innovation

Favorite Quote: Whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it... – Gandhi

Ryan Flaherty

Field of Study: Civil Engineering student at Clarkson University with a concentration in Construction Engineering Management

Future Aspirations: I have accepted a full time job in May as a Structural Design Engineer at Ryan Biggs/Clark Davis in Skaneateles Falls, NY and am hoping to pass the F.E. exam before graduation.

Favorite Quote: You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it requires people to make the dream a reality. – Walt Disney

Spring 2022 Scholarship Winners

Christopher Hernandez

Field of Study: Renewable Energy, Texas Tech University

Future Aspirations: I aspire to lead American development of renewable energy through project management and research and contribute to the long-term energy independence and economic prosperity of the United States.

Favorite Quote: There is no limit to the good you can do if you don't care about who gets the credit. – General George C. Marshall

Gema Alexandra Guerra Morales

Field of Study: Construction Engineering & Management (CEM) with a minor in Green Engineering at Virginia Tech

Future Aspirations: I'm working every day to achieve my aspirations of becoming a project manager within the residential or commercial sub-sectors of construction. I aim to advocate for sustainability, land preservation, and the prevention of gentrification. Having the opportunity to mentor women and Latinos is important to me because they are underrepresented in the white-collar part of the industry. Another goal of mine is to lead a sustainable modular housing project in my home country (El Salvador).

Favorite Quote: In every position that I’ve been in, there have been naysayers who don’t believe I’m qualified or who don’t believe I can do the work. And I feel a special responsibility to prove them wrong. – Sonia Sotomayor, 1st Hispanic Supreme Court Justice

Grant Moxley

Field of Study: Construction and Facilities Management at Brigham Young University

Future Aspirations: I plan to work in project management to construct and develop spaces that improve communities. While entering a changing workforce, I hope to embrace quality traditions and welcome new innovations.

Favorite Quote: If you can dream it, you can do it. - Walt Disney

Mallanagoud Patil

Field of Study: Construction Management and Technology (MS) at Arizaon State University

Future Aspirations: I aim to become a Project Engineer after graduation in May 2023 and am willing to work as a key player in a creative and innovative environment.

Favorite Quote: The only way to do great work is to love what you do. - Steve Jobs

Fall 2021 Scholarship Winners

Sara Walsh

Field of Study: Civil Engineering at Villanova University.

Future Aspirations: I plan to study Structural Engineering and I hope to work on the design and construction processes for infrastructure after graduation.

Favorite Quote: Failure is success in progress. - Albert Einstien

Jaime Ramos

Field of Study: Construction Management with a minor in General Business at California State University, Fresno.

Future Aspirations: I aim to leverage technology in construction throughout the entire project delivery process. One day I would like to become a project director in order to constantly have exposure to various construction sectors. Finally, after spending some time in the industry I would like to become a teacher or professor and share what I have learned.

Favorite Quote: Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them. - David Allen

Yihang Yu

Field of Study: Advance Design and Construction Technology at the University of California.

Future Aspirations: I hope that I can use the knowledge I have learned to further improve the quality, efficiency, and sustainable development of my country, China. And as much as possible to combine the digital industry with the traditional construction industry. Reduce the burden of workers and construction risks, and further realize the visualization of construction projects.

Favorite Quote: Get busy living or get busy dying.- Stephen King

Sydney Crandall

Field of Study: Civil Engineering at the University of Kansas

Future Aspirations: After graduation, I aim to work in the Transit and Transportation Planning field of civil engineering projects. I am interested in the innovations of the transportation industry and how transportation networks can become more accessible and sustainable for the future.

Favorite Quote: No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.- Robin Williams

Spring 2021 Scholarship Winners

Zarina George

Field of Study: Architecture with a focus in Urban Planning at the University of the District of Columbia

Future Aspirations: As a professional pursuing a career in Architecture and Urban Sustainability, I aspire to design and develop sustainable, net-zero low to medium-income communities that encourage inclusion and togetherness. With the goal of providing sustainable housing for every socioeconomic level, micro-housing, amenity walkability, and urban farming will be just a few of the features I plan to focus on.

Favorite Quote: Design is where science and art break even. - Mieke Gerritzen

Gustavo Gutierrez

Field of Study: Construction Management at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Future Aspirations: I aim to become a leader in construction who creates sustainable solutions in the industry. I also want to effectively teach others technical skills necessary for their success. By implementing the skills I learn, I can improve the infrastructure in buildings to help businesses grow and lead better lives.

Favorite Quote: "If you take no risks, you will suffer no defeats. But if you take no risks, you win no victories." - Richard M. Nixon

Adriana Diaz

Field of Study: Construction Management with a Minor in Business Administration at Bradley University

Future Aspirations: I am passionate to strive and become a professional woman in the construction industry. I look forward to developing my knowledge in the construction industry and become a project engineer/project manager and leader in the construction industry. I look forward every day to graduate and become a professional in my career and one day help the next generation of students have the same passion for construction as I do.

Favorite Quote: "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one." - Dolly Parton.

Tanner Strawn

Field of Study: Major in Construction Management with a minor in Business administration at Washington State University

Future Aspirations: After graduation, I plan on immersing myself in the construction industry specializing in the commercial sector. I will use the skills I learned here at Washington State University to work on-site as a project engineer/project manager. I am determined to learn something new every day along my career as the industry is always evolving and improving. Finally, I hope to become a future mentor and help others wanting to pursue a career in construction learn the necessary soft skills that will allow them to be successful.

Favorite Quote: "He who says he can and he who says he can't are both usually right." - Confucius

Fall 2020 Scholarship Winners

Joel Hernandez

Field of Study: Civil Engineering with a focus on Construction, University of Arizona

Future Aspirations: I want to be a project manager while having the technical aptitude to be able to exceed expectations.

Favorite Quote: "The longer you wait to do something you should do now, the greater the odds that you will never actually do it." - John C. Maxwell

Hope Huang

Field of Study: Civil Engineering at University of California, Berkeley

Future Aspirations: Eventually becoming a project manager in the transportation engineering field

Favorite Quote: "Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." -William James

Spring 2020 Scholarship Winners

Elsa A. Moreno Rangel

Field of Study: B.S. Construction Engineering Management at Oregon State University

Future Aspirations: As a future professional in the construction industry, I want to develop social and economic infrastructure for low-income and rural communities, and innovate the way in which public spaces, nursing homes, mental health, and medical facilities are designed and built. My top interests in construction are: accessibility, wellness, and sustainability. By implementing these practices, I want to ensure that anyone regardless of age or disability has the same opportunity of moving freely and comfortably around spaces that provide them with comfort and emotional well-being. I want to use construction as a path to equity and community development, and I am positive that my education in construction engineering management will allow me to turn my vision into a reality.

Favorite Quote: "Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world." - Joel A. Barker

Nedda Yazdani

Field of Study: Construction Management; Environmental Studies; Geographic Information Systems at Texas A&M University

Future Aspirations: Project management in construction & community development

Favorite Quote: "We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment outside us and say that once one of these is reformed everything will be improved. Man is organic with the world. His inner life moulds the environment and is itself also deeply affected by it. The one acts upon the other and every abiding change in the life of man is the result of these mutual reactions." - Shoghi Effendi

Allie Stephens

Field of Study: Civil Engineering at the University of Wisconsin - Madison

Future Aspirations: I plan to work for the Peace Corps or another volunteer organization abroad for a few years, hopefully overseeing structural or sanitation/public health projects. After this, I would like to work in project controls or construction management.

Favorite Quote: “This curious world which we inhabit is more wonderful than it is convenient; more beautiful than it is useful; it is more to be admired and enjoyed than used.” – Henry David Thoreau, Walden.

Fall 2019 Scholarship Winners

Natalie Moore

Field of Study: Civil Engineering with a minor in Sustainability, Energy and the Environment

Future Aspirations: To work in planning and development or project management, specifically in cost engineering

Favorite Quote: "And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good." -John Steinback

Michael Roshel

Field of Study: Civil Engineering at University of Kentucky

Future Aspirations: To become a project manager, get my PE and then eventually start my own firm.

Favorite Quote: "Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where is no path and leave a trail." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bailey Rouse

Field of Study: Civil Engineering at University of Kentucky

Future Aspirations: Working in construction management back in my home state of Colorado

Favorite Quote: “When times are tough, be tougher." - C.M. Stunich

Spring 2019 Scholarship Winners

Eric Beason

Field of Study: Construction Management at John Brown University

Future Aspirations: I want to become a construction manager and oversee commercial building projects such as schools and businesses. More importantly, I want to use my work as an opportunity to spread God’s love, grace, and forgiveness to the world.

Favorite Quote: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10

Esther Daramola

Field of Study: Civil Engineering with Business Minor at New Jersey Institute of Technology

Future Aspirations: I want to lead a team of engineers in a company and make my own lip gloss line.

Favorite Quote: "If you don't love yourself how the h*** you gonna love somebody else? Can I get an amen!" -RuPaul

Grace Stackowitz

Field of Study: Civil Engineering at Manhattan College

Future Aspirations: I am interested in the field of construction and hope to become a Project Engineer working on site.

Favorite Quote: "What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create." –Buddha

Fall 2018 Scholarship Winners

Ryan Cole

Field of Study: Civil Engineering at the University of Wisconsin - Madison

Future Aspirations: I hope to find a career in either construction management or transportation engineering.

Favorite Quote: "I don't know anybody so old he can't do something useful. Just give them a chance and see." -Henry Ford

Jesse Mallard

Field of Study: Construction Management, with an emphasis in Applied Energy & Sustainable Systems, at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Future Aspirations: I plan to start my career with a well-established, innovative company to gain experience in the industry. I also hope to have my own Construction Management firm in the future.

Nguyen Le

Field of Study: Ph.D. candidate in Construction Management at Arizona State University.

Future Aspirations: I want to become a Construction faculty to bring innovative ideas developed from the U.S. to leverage construction practices and education in developing countries.

Favorite Quote: “The ability to observe without evaluating is the highest form of intelligence” - Philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti