Where Are They Now? A Check-in with Former IBTTA Foundation Scholarship Awardees

Since 2017, the IBTTA Foundation has awarded several $5,000 scholarships each year to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing transportation-related degrees at an accredited university. Beginning last year, at least one scholarship is awarded annually to a student attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

As we celebrate the open application season for this year’s awards, Tolling Points caught up with two former IBTTA Foundation Scholarship winners – Jenson Draper, a 2018 recipient from the University of Minnesota, and Emily Mank, a 2022 recipient from Florida State University – to see how they are doing now and how the scholarship impacted their pursuit of a career in transportation.

How did the IBTTA Foundation Scholarship help you?

Draper: The IBTTA Foundation Scholarship gave me peace of mind going into my third year of undergrad. It awarded me the opportunity to focus on my studies and enjoy the college experience. I received the scholarship as I was transferring to a larger university, which was particularly helpful as it can be tough to get university-specific scholarships and financial aid when initially transferring.

Mank: The IBTTA Foundation Scholarship was instrumental in allowing me to dedicate the time and energy to pursue a thesis-based master's program specializing in structural engineering. This scholarship has given me the flexibility to focus a large portion of my time on my research. Without the financial support from the IBTTA, I would not have been able to pursue an M.S. degree.

Are you currently in the transportation field? If so, where are you working and in what field? How did the scholarship intrigue your interest in transportation?

Draper: Yes, I am working at SRF Consulting in Minneapolis, MN as a Structural Engineer (EIT) working on bridges. I already knew I wanted to pursue structural engineering, but receiving this scholarship certainly piqued my interest in the transportation side of structures. So far, I’m happy with my choice!

Mank: I am still in the process of completing my master's degree and in the middle of the research testing portion of my graduate thesis. My study focus is on structural engineering, which is a huge component of the transportation field. My thesis is analyzing an alternative green material, LC3, by replacing a percentage of cement in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). UHPC is commonly used in bridges and infrastructure, so even though I am not directly in the transportation field, my research relates to high-strength concrete that is used within the field.

What are some of your accomplishments since receiving the award?

Draper: Since receiving the award, I have gone on to complete both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering, in 2020 and 2021 respectively. While in school at the University of Minnesota, I received multiple departmental scholarships, including the Robert Dexter Memorial Scholarship in 2019.

Mank: Since receiving this award I have been appointed as the graduate advisor for the FAMU-FSU FES-ASCE Student Chapter. I am the graduate advisor for the new engineering living and learning community on FSU's campus, so I get to teach 30 freshmen engineering students how to get involved in their major early. I also recently submitted my abstract and applied to attend an Advances in Cement-Based Materials conference this upcoming summer.

What would you say to students who are thinking about applying for the IBTTA Foundation scholarship?

Draper: I honestly never expected to receive this scholarship when I applied. When I found out I had won, a huge part of the financial burden of school was lifted off my back, and it felt great to be recognized for my hard work. Who knows, you could be next (but only if you apply)!

Mank: Engineering is a challenging field that requires discipline, time, and perseverance, and scholarships like those from the IBTTA Foundation are instrumental to students who want to make the commitment. So, take advantage of every opportunity, apply for scholarships, and ask for help. If you are not successful, keep trying, perseverance can get you very far.

What were the most rewarding aspects of receiving the IBTTA Foundation scholarship?

Draper: The most rewarding aspect of receiving the IBTTA Foundation scholarship was the feeling of validation that my hard work paid off. Upon receiving the scholarship, I was sure that I was going into an industry full of passionate and generous people, and excited to one day become a part of that community.

Mank: The scholarship has allowed me to put the highest focus on school and have the time to be involved as an advisor to ASCE and teach the freshmen engineering students. I want to thank the IBTTA Foundation for all the help they've given me through this scholarship. I greatly appreciate it!

If you know an undergraduate or graduate student, or a student attending an HBCU, who is pursuing a transportation-related degree, encourage them to apply for one of IBTTA Foundation’s $5,000 scholarships. Applications are due by April 19, 2023. Learn more and apply now.