Statler College announces Engineers Week video contest winners

In celebration of Engineers Week, an annual event that celebrates professionals in all fields of engineering, the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources hosted a scholarship video contest based off of the central theme of this year’s festivities, ‘Imagining Tomorrow.’

Story by Olivia Miller, Communications Specialist
Photos by Olivia Miller, Communications Specialist

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

The celebration took place from February 21-27 and called for the opportunity to recognize advancements in engineering and the endless possibilities the field gives us for tomorrow. The video contest challenged students to answer the question, ‘Without imagination and creativity, we would not be where we are today. What do you dare to imagine for tomorrow?’

The competition, which was open to undergraduate and graduate students in the Statler College, required the student to create and submit a brief video discussing what they imagined for the future of engineering. Entries were judged on creativity, breadth of content and effectiveness of highlighting the work of engineers.

The first-place winner received a scholarship totaling $1,500, the second-place winner received an $1,000 scholarship, and the third-place winner(s) received a $500 scholarship. 

Mallory Aurichio, a freshman studying aerospace engineering from Westwood, New Jersey, took home the first-place prize.

“I knew for a long time that I wanted to study engineering because I have always loved math and loved creating things. The idea of studying the universe is so amazing to me,” Aurichio said. “My biggest dream is to someday work for NASA. I want to change what we currently think is impossible for space travel and go faster than we ever imagined.”

Ashley Dibling, a junior studying mechanical engineering from Perrysburg, Ohio, finished in second place.

“I chose to study mechanical engineering because I wanted to pursue a major that would challenge me and allow me to make a difference once I graduated,” Dibling said.

Francisco Patino, a graduate student studying mining engineering from Colombia, tied for third place with Ross O’Hara, a junior studying mechanical and aerospace engineering from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Both received the $500 scholarship.

“Since I was a child, I wanted to pursue my professional studies in earth sciences,” Patino said. “I decided to study mining engineering because I found it quite interesting how engineers are able to extract rocks from the depths of the earth and transform them into products we use for our daily lives. 

“I’m graduating this year, so I want to jump into the industry. I’d like to gain some experience to become an expert in my field and hopefully start my own business in the future,” Patino continued.

“I chose to study mechanical and aerospace engineering because I am passionate about using critical thinking to solve challenging problems,” O’Hara said. “In the future I want to continue my education while making contributions to society, so I am in hopes of finding a position that will allow me to do that.”

The winning video submissions can be viewed here.

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