WTS-MN Graduate Scholarship -- Nastaran Tork, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

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Nastaran Tork is a Ph.D. student in Transportation Engineering at the University of Minnesota, where her research focuses on sustainable transportation systems and urban freight delivery. With a background in engineering, data analysis, and algorithm development, Nastaran is passionate about developing innovative solutions to improve urban mobility, reduce congestion, and advance low-emission transportation. She is an active member of the transportation research community and is committed to promoting equity and innovation in the field. 

 

Donna Allan Undergraduate Scholarship -- Rishika Kundu, Macalester College

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Rishika is a junior at Macalester College, majoring in Computer Science and Geography. She is passionate about leveraging technology to strengthen transportation systems and improve their resilience. Over the past year, she has interned with Metro Transit, working at the intersection of data and mobility. This summer, she will be interning at Arcadis in Seattle as a Transit Data Analyst. Rishika is especially committed to using technology to connect underrepresented communities—both locally and internationally—to greater opportunities through equitable and accessible transportation networks. 

 

Katherine Turnbull Leadership Undergraduate Scholarship: Melayna Marshman, Minnesota State University - Mankato 

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I am a dedicated Civil Engineering major with a strong passion for building sustainable and innovative solutions for the future. Receiving this scholarship is a tremendous honor that reflects my commitment to academic excellence, hard work, and community engagement. This recognition motivates me to continue growing as a future engineer and to contribute meaningfully to developing resilient and impactful infrastructure. 

 

Dan Meyers High School Scholarship: Maren, Holy Family Catholic High School

Photo and bio not available.

 

WTS/MSES Workforce Development High School Scholarship: Lauren Konrath, Wild Rose High School 

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I am located in central Wisconsin and am going to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth in the fall of 2025. I am majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Environmental Engineering. My passions lie with the environment, with my mission being to create more sustainable and efficient fuel solutions in order to protect the environment.   

 

WTS Board Undergraduate Scholarship: Clare Fischer, South Dakota School of Technology 

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I am a civil engineering student at the end of my third year at South Dakota Mines and Technology. I am also a member of the cross country and track and field teams at my institution. I enjoy concrete research and structural engineering. I have completed two internships in aviation, roadway design, and transportation and am excited to return to Minnesota this summer with Kimley-Horn. I also love the great outdoors and visiting National Parks. 

 

WTS/MSES Advancing Women in Transportation Graduate: Shelley Pacheco, University of Minnesota - Humphrey School of Public Affairs 

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Shelley Pacheco is a first-generation graduate student at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs, dedicated to advancing equitable policies and working collaboratively with communities to ensure a more just future. She currently serves as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Institute for Urban and Regional Infrastructure Finance (IURIF), supporting public outreach efforts on distance-based fees. As a low-income student, scholarships have played a critical role in making her professional journey possible, and she is grateful to be a 2025 WTS scholarship recipient.