2/21/2018 Caitlin McCoy
Written by Caitlin McCoy
Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE) senior Lauren Smith has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Harvey H. Jordan Award. The Harvey Jordan Award is given annually to the top graduating senior in the College of Engineering — the equivalent to a valedictorian for the senior class.
“The committee was very impressed with Lauren’s qualifications and we extend our congratulations to her,” Interim Associate Dean of Engineering Umberto Ravaioli said. “This award, which includes a certificate and an award of $4,000, is presented to an outstanding senior in the college and is based on high scholastic standing and character.”
“I was grocery shopping at Aldi when I got the email about receiving the Harvey Jordan Award. I was very excited to be recognized with this honor, and I called my mom immediately from the parking lot,” Lauren said.
”I love my MatSE classes and research, so it's a bonus to be recognized for doing something I enjoy so much. I'm really proud to represent our department as I receive this honor. I want to thank all my professors, mentors, and classmates who have contributed so much to my years here at U of I. All of my courses, internships, and research experiences have really helped guide my career. After graduation, I plan to go to graduate school and earn a PhD in MatSE and continue my work in computational research,” Lauren shared. “Some of my favorite experiences on campus include being president of Legend Dance Company, a dance performance RSO on campus, and doing undergraduate research with Professor Dallas Trinkle, where I get to run simulations on the Blue Waters supercomputer!”
“Lauren is everything we hope for in our students: smart, a quick thinker, passionate about science, able to adjust to new situations, while rising to meet new challenges,” Professor Trinkle said. “I have every expectation that Lauren will excel for the rest of her career; I look forward to seeing how she advances the field of computational materials science and becomes a future leader.”
Lauren will speak at the 54th Annual Engineering Awards Convocation on Saturday, April 7, 2018, as a representative of the Engineering student body.