Our 2025 Scholars are presented here in the last name alphabetical order

Josh Baughman: An undergraduate student earning a BS in Environmental Engineering and a BA in International Affairs at UNR (Spring 2025). He works at the Water Innovation Lab on campus, assisting in research on novel wastewater treatment techniques. He hopes to pursue post-grad research on water infrastructure’s interaction with urban environments, and to that end, is thrilled to work in the SCP Lab and to be able to explore the Han River’s restoration. In his free time, he enjoys reading, trail running, video games, and studying linguistics. He has studied Korean for 2+ years and looks forward to further immersion in Seoul.

Hazera Begum: My name is Hazera Begum. I’m a second-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Transportation & Urban Infrastructure Studies at Morgan State University. My academic and research interests lie in sustainable transportation planning, multimodal mobility, and the integration of smart technologies in urban transportation systems. I love to travel and explore new cultures, and I enjoy cooking as a creative and relaxing outlet.

Nicole (Nikki) Kershner: Nicole (Nikki) Kershner is an M.S. mechanical engineering student at the University of Florida and graduate research assistant in UF’s GatorKits Lab; her project focuses on facilitating a fluids engineering experiment-based virtual exchange course between UF and Aswan University in Egypt. Her professional interests include humanitarian engineering, public works, art in STEM, engineering design, and project management. In her free time, Nikki loves writing, art, and being outside.

Alexander Lyew: Alexander Lyew graduated from the University of Florida in 2025 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. During his time at UF, he was actively involved in organizations such as the Machine Intelligence Lab (MIL) and the Spacecraft Technology and Research (STAR) Lab. At the MIL, he modeled the hydrodynamics of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) and designed and manufactured various components. At the STAR Lab, he worked on validating a dynamic satellite model using a testbed that simulated In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing operations. Beyond research, Alexander gained hands-on engineering experience through internships at Intel, GE Aerospace, Georgia-Pacific, and Complete Structural Consulting. His diverse skill set and industry exposure make him well-equipped to tackle complex engineering challenges, with a strong passion for innovations that drive sustainability and efficiency. Outside of academia, Alex enjoys spending time with friends, staying active through sports and at the gym, cooking, and exploring new cuisines.

Christopher Quinn: My name is Christopher Quinn, a Graduate student attending Morgan State University currently in my first semester born and raised in the DC/MD. I have an undergrad degree in Computer Information Systems from Towson University also located in Maryland. In my free time I enjoy Djing, playing basketball and playing video games. Over the years I have grown an excitement for Transportation and what it consists regarding both public and private, which led me to where I am now in my career.

Heather Zechter: A graduate with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Computer Engineering with a Minor in Mathematics from the University of Nevada, Reno. She has developed several independent machine learning projects, including a data-driven model for retail sales trend analysis and prediction. Heather is an active member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and is participating in the IRES program within the Autonomous Robot Intelligence Laboratory. She aspires to work at the intersection of machine learning and data science, where she can apply her technical skills to create intelligent systems that solve complex problems. Outside of academics, she enjoys fitness, cooking, exploring the outdoors, traveling, and attending concerts.