CEE Students Awarded Scholarships from the American Concrete Institute

Each year, the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Nebraska Chapter awards scholarships to deserving students based on their interest and ability in concrete design, construction, and/or materials. The chapter offers three $1,500 scholarships in memory of the late Nebraska Chapter Executive Secretary Richard T. “Dick” DeLorm, presented to one associate, one undergraduate, and one graduate student. This year, the undergraduate and graduate scholarships were awarded to UNL CEE students!

The undergraduate award went to JP Aurit from Elkhorn, Nebraska. JP is pursuing his BS in Civil Engineering and is expected to graduate in May 2025. He has a strong interest in concrete structures and material design, serving as president of the American Society of Civil Engineers and participating in the student-led concrete canoe competition. His long-term goal is to start his own engineering firm to bid on large projects that would have a significant impact on his community.

The graduate scholarship was awarded to Islam Orynbassarov from Kazakhstan. Islam is pursuing his PhD in Civil Engineering, focusing on research topics related to concrete materials. His work includes using corn stover ash as supplemental cementitious materials and introducing biochar into concrete to achieve carbon-neutral or carbon-negative results. Islam has presented his research at the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting and the International Concrete Pavement Conference. His career goal is to become an independent researcher with expertise in civil engineering and building materials science.