A student in the University of Georgia College of Engineering has been awarded the Baker Student Fellowship by the American Concrete Institute Foundation. Scotty Smith, a senior civil engineering student from Duluth, is one of only two recipients of the international award for 2015-2016. 

Smith’s undergraduate research has focused on examining the structural performance and environmental impact of increasing the allowable replacement levels of cement with fly ash for Georgia concrete pavements. Fly ash is a byproduct of coal-fired power plants. 

“I’m really excited to see what the future holds because there’s a huge opportunity for engineers to solve some of society’s greatest challenges,” Smith said. “Infrastructure and consumption are the biggest issues we face, and I want to be a part of the solution.”

ACI Foundation Fellowships are extremely competitive and open to undergraduate and graduate students studying engineering, construction management or other related fields. Students with fellowships also receive paid travel and registration to two ACI conventions, assignment to an industry mentor and a summer internship. 

“It is great to see Scotty being recognized for his academic achievement and scholarly work in the area of concrete materials,” said Stephan Durham, an associate professor and program coordinator for civil engineering. “Scotty is a great ambassador for our new civil engineering program.”