Grad student Stauffer gets AISC Education Foundation scholarship

When civil engineering graduate student Steven Stauffer learned he had been awarded a $3,000 American Institute of Steel Construction Education Foundation national scholarship, he couldn't help but celebrate a little.

"I was doing a pretty good happy dance when I found out," said Stauffer, who is entering the final year in his quest for a master's degree.

The AISC awarded $65,000 in Education Foundation scholarships to 20 students across the country. Those students must be undergraduate juniors or seniors or master's-level graduate students in civil, architectural or construction engineering or in construction management.

Stauffer had to submit a resume along with official transcripts, a reference from a faculty member and a 500-word essay on why he wanted to design with steel. As part of his graduate research, Stauffer is working with Joshua Steelman, assistant professor of civil engineering, on a project for the Nebraska Department of Roads and gets some funding from that and will work as a TA this academic year.

But Stauffer said the additional money will come in handy considering the extra educational expenses his family will have this fall.

"It will make things a little bit easier, especially with my wife coming back to UNL this year to get her business administration degree," Stauffer said.