WTS-MN Graduate Scholarship

Connielia Mensah (Minnesota State University - Mankato) 

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I’m Connielia Mensah, an Urban Planning graduate student at Minnesota State University, Mankato. My interests focus on community development and practical transportation planning using policy, ordinance tools and GIS mapping to support safer and more accessible communities. Through local government planning experience, I’ve supported projects related to mobility and community-focused improvements. I’m honored to receive the WTS Minnesota Graduate Scholarship and excited to contribute, keep building experience and connections in the transportation field.

 

Donna Allen Undergraduate Scholarship

Audra Johnson (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) 

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I am a Junior studying Civil Engineering with a minor in Sustainability Studies. I’m currently working as an Undergraduate Researcher for the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering at the University of Minnesota.

 

Katherine Turnbull Leadership Undergraduate Scholarship

Olivia Richart (University of North Dakota)

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I’m a first-generation college student currently studying Aerospace Engineering at the University of North Dakota, and I’ve basically built my life around aviation. I’m currently an Army Captain and full-time UH-72 Lakota pilot. Previously, I flew the UH-60 Blackhawk and have spent time in single engine fixed wing aircraft, so if it flies, I’m probably interested!

While flying is what got me into aviation, I’ve become just as interested in what happens behind the scenes. How aviation is managed, maintained, and made better over time is something I find thoroughly fascinating. Additionally, I love being a woman in a leadership role within the industry – nothing is more fulfilling than showing other girls that they absolutely belong in aviation too.

 

Dan Meyers High School Scholarship

Reema Krishnan (Blaine High School)

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Reema Krishnan is a senior at Blaine High School with interests in leadership and community service. She is actively involved in several student organizations and enjoys making a positive impact in her community. Reema plans to continue her education in data science & computer science by attending a four-year university.

 

WTS/MSES Workforce Development High School Scholarship

Maggie Novotny (Spectrum High School)

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I am a senior at Spectrum High School in Elk River, Minnesota. Next fall, I plan to attend North Dakota State University to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. While I'm not sure on what I want to specialize in, transportation is currently my top choice. I am passionate about environmental science and plan to utilize this to do my job sustainably. This scholarship will be used towards my studies in the following years.

 

WTS Technical School Scholarship

Kel Perlick (Dakota County Technical College)

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Kel is nearing completion of the Civil Engineering Technology & Land Surveying program at Dakota County Technical College. They are pursuing a career in Public Works with a focus on developing safe, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure that serves the local Twin Cities community, while also supporting a more inclusive workforce.

 

WTS/MSES Advancing Women in Transportation Graduate

Eleanor Fitzwilliams (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities)

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Eleanor is a graduate student at the Humphrey School for Public Affairs, where she will be completing the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program this May. She obtained a B.S. in French and Psychology at Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2023. While doing research in undergrad for psychology, she became involved in a field called Environmental Neuroethics, which focuses on the impacts of the environment and climate change on neurological, mental, and community health. This area led Eleanor to transportation planning as a means to apply Environmental Neuroethics research and has allowed Eleanor to merge her love for environmental health, community health, and multimodal transportation. Eleanor also has an older sister who is blind and an older brother who has autism, and she grew up watching her older siblings navigate mobility and accessible modes of transportation. She is very excited to bring her lived experience and passion for accessibility to her future career.

 

WTS/MSES Advancing Women in Transportation Graduate

Sylvie Guezeon (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities)

Sylvie Guezeon is a PhD candidate at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. Her research in equity in urban planning lies at the intersection of transit systems, community engagement and public health. Her dissertation elevates awareness within the university and global setting of the transit and mobility challenges facing university students, transit workers, and others least represented. With her work, Sylvie is testing new data collection tools and platforms for engaging communities, ensuring they are given equal opportunity to co-create effective and responsive transit solutions. She is the author of the research-to-comic book 'Where Does this Route Go? Amplifying Students' Voices for Better Public Transportation at Universities."