Life’s persistent and most urgent question is “What are you doing for others?”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
By Dr. King’s measure, the answer – from generous University of Houston supporters – is the gift of education. Through three scholarships funded in the Cullen College department of chemical and biomolecular engineering, nine undergraduate students and future engineers have reaped the rewards of generosity and been touched by the spirit of kindness.
The Frank M. Martha R. Tiller scholarship awards students for academic excellence and leadership qualities; The Frank L. Worley, Jr. scholarship selects student leaders who intend to pursue a career in chemical engineering; and, The Fleischer Scholarship prizes academic distinction.
Winners include Sharon John, Frank M. Martha R. Tiller Scholarship; Michael Richmond, Fleischer Scholarship; Zachery Baker, Fleischer Scholarship; Jami Summey-Rice, Frank L. Worley, Jr. Scholarship; Priya Patel, Frank L Worley, Jr. Scholarship; Daniela Morales Peralta, Frank L. Worley, Jr. Scholarship; Jacob Mclaney, Frank L. Worley, Jr. Scholarship; Harry Diaz, Frank L. Worley, Jr. Scholarship; and, Rawan Almallahi, Frank L. Worley, Jr. Scholarship.
Five of the scholarship students shared thoughts about their gifts and the paths that led them to seek an education in chemical and biomolecular engineering.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WANTED TO BE AN ENGINEER?
Jacob McLaney
Frank L. Worley, Jr. Scholarship recipient
My passion for math and science started at a very young age. This pursuit was driven by a desire to know and understand as much as possible about the world around me and to be able to apply that knowledge practically. As I became older, I came to realize that the best way to continue this pursuit would be engineering.
Harry Diaz
Frank L. Worley, Jr. Scholarship recipient
I realized I wanted to become an engineer when I was about 13 years old. At the time, I was working weekends and summers as my father’s helper in construction. While working construction, I developed problem solving skills and an ambition to learn new things. On the other hand, I also endured more heat and fatigue than most teenagers. Seeing that my whole family worked in construction, I made a choice to do something different. Engineering was my opportunity to pursue my ambition and to create a new precedent for my family.
WERE YOU INSPIRED BY ANYBODY REAL OR FICTIONAL?
Jami Summey-Rice
Frank L. Worley, Jr. Scholarship recipient
My dad is an engineer.
Harry Diaz
My father has been my biggest inspiration. He has taught me what it means to work hard through tough situations. His dedication to working hard has inspired me to do the same.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO STUDY CHEMICAL AND BIOMOLECULAR ENGINEERING AT THE UH CULLEN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING?
Zachary Baker
Fleischer Scholarship recipient
UH's chemical engineering program produces very successful graduates. Because of its location in Houston, UH has access some of the best companies in the world. Additionally, chemical engineering is one of most versatile engineering disciplines.
Priya Patel
Frank L. Worley, Jr. Scholarship recipient
I wanted to study chemical engineering at UH because of the varied opportunities, challenging coursework and diversity.
Jami Summey-Rice
Most bang for the buck.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU LOOK LIKE?
Harry Diaz
A typical day consists of studying, working on design project with my group, and socializing in between. On the weekends, most of my day is spent studying or traveling to fix an air conditioning unit.
Priya Patel
A typical day for me varies, depending on what day it is. I intern three days of the week and take classes two days. When I am on campus, I have classes all day and I end my day facilitating the chemical process workshop. When I am at work, I attend any meetings I may have and work at my desk.
Jacob McLaney
For me, a typical day starts with a workout and a good breakfast. I will then either go to classes or study until it’s time for class. After classes are finished, I typically work pretty late into the night studying or going to events for SGA [Student Government Association] and AIChE [American Institute of Chemical Engineers]. Suffice it to say, I don't do much sleeping.
HOW HAS/WILL RECEIVING THIS SCHOLARSHIP HELPED YOU ACHIEVE YOUR ACADEMIC GOALS?
Jami Summey-Rice
Scholarships supplement my income so I can continue to go to school. Day care for my children is more than college tuition. Commuting comes with expenses. And going to school is a financial burden on my family. Without scholarships I wouldn’t be here.
Zachary Baker
Since freshman year I have been seeking scholarships to help me self-fund my education. When I entered as a freshman, I didn't have as many scholarships as some other high achieving students. As a result, I had to borrow money for my first few semesters. But I've picked up scholarships such as this one along the way, and now I am completely funded.
Jacob McLaney
It has absolutely helped me reach my goals. Since I am so involved here on campus with academics and leadership, I don't have the time or opportunity to work. Because of this, I need scholarships to help pay for school and all the expenses that come along with it. With this scholarship, I am able to continue putting all my effort into classes and leadership, which will continue my personal development.
WHAT HAS BEEN MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AT UH?
Zachary Baker
The most rewarding part of my experience at UH has been continually finding new challenges to push my intellectual capabilities to the next level. And along the way, developing lasting friendships with people from different backgrounds.
Priya Patel
The most rewarding experience for me at UH has been getting the opportunities to pursue everything I aspired to. I have gotten to experience conducting research, mentoring high school and freshman students in pursuing a STEM major, and serving as leaders in professional societies and organizations.
Jami Summey-Rice
The amount of experiences and breadth of education I have received have been amazing. I do not think I have had the typical college experience. Between multiple minors, multiple internships, and teaching experience as a TA, and other experiences, I think I have effectively maximized the opportunities available at UH.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION?
Zachary Baker
Work as an operations, process or production engineer for an energy or chemicals company. After working for a few years as a full-time engineer, I will consider pursuing an MBA to help move into a more corporate position within a company.
Jacob McLaney
After graduation, I intend to work in a technical role in either an oil and gas or chemical company. After five or so years in the industry, I would like to return to UH to complete an MBA so I can enter the business aspects of engineering. Family has always been extremely important to me, and I hope to start a family of my own in the future.
Jami Summey-Rice
I have accepted an offer from Shell Chemicals in the commercial graduate program.
Congratulations and good luck to all of these hard-working and deserving students!