Eight Engineering Graduates Designated as Distinguished Communicators
June 1, 2010
In addition to the class of 2010, LSU's 271st commencement exercises honored eight undergraduate engineers with the LSU's Distinguished Communicator Award, the first program of its kind in the nation. Along with these engineering students, ten additional students representing numerous majors earned the distinction. Those honored from the College of Engineering included Kristen Barrett, Elizabeth Beard, Mathew Daniel, Richard Griffiths, Danica Nguyen, Jennifer Pizzitola, Jack Tourres, and Ryan Zimmmerman.
LSU's Distinguished Communicator Award recognizes students who demonstrate exemplary levels of communication skills during their undergraduate years. Recipients are selected on the basis of completing 12 hours of approved courses, submitting a digital portfolio, participating in internships or co-ops, demonstrating leadership, and maintaining a GPA of 3.0 in Communication Intensive courses. Upon completion, students have their transcripts annotated to reflect their Distinguished Communicator designation.
Tourres reflected on what he learned stating, "My quest to become a Distinguished Communicator has strengthened all facets of my communication skills, and has provided me with sufficient knowledge and favorable habits to excel in my prospective endeavors. It is the idiomatic 'leg-up' that graduates should desire. The CXC program is a catalyst fueling our future, where communication will be a vital component for advancing individuals and humanity alike."
The 18 LSU students earned this honor by meeting high standards set by faculty in various colleges and by the LSU Communication across the Curriculum program. The students earned high grade-point averages in communication-intensive courses that were based on written, spoken, visual and technological communication. The students built digital portfolios, displayed as public Web sites that include their communication projects from courses, internships, leadership roles and public service.
Kristen Barrett earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from LSU. In the summer before her graduation, she worked as a production engineering intern for Chevron where she completed eight job proposals that are expected to generate over a million dollars. In addition to many of the scholarships she has earned, Barrett is also extremely involved with the LSU chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and acts as their Vice President. She currently lives in Baton Rouge with her husband and enjoys regular visits to the Highland Road Observatory. Advisor: Stephen Sears, Petroleum Engineering.
Elizabeth Beard earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering. She has previously been employed as an intern for ExxonMobil and held a co-op for GE for which she won an internal award. In addition, Beard has worked in the Engineering Communication Studio as an excellent mentor for her fellow peers over the past two years. Her future plans include working for ExxonMobil, and hopes to one day become a manager. Beard would also enjoy the opportunity to guide and mentor the next generation of female engineers. Advisor: Warren Waggenspack, Mechanical Engineering.
Matthew Daniel graduated from LSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering (ChE) with a GPA of 3.95. He has held several internships, most recently with TOTAL Petrochemicals as a project engineer. Daniel also served as team leader for the AICHE Car Team and led the team to the World Competition. In addition, he serves as president of Omega Chi Epsilon, the ChE Honor Society. He organized and captained an LSU intramural Dodge Ball team for two years in his free time. Advisor: Mike Benton, Chemical Engineering.
Richard Griffiths will begin training for his job as a field engineer for Slumberger's Wireline Open Hole Service, evaluating the formation of oil wells after his graduation from LSU with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In the summer before graduation, he interned with Intertek LMS and learned how to troubleshoot instrumentation used to calibrate liquid petroleum meters. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and received the National SMART Grant. Griffiths enjoys sports and was able to travel to South Korea last year. Advisor: Jack Helms, Mechanical Engineering.
Danica Nguyen graduated from LSU with a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Chemistry. She has interned with both BP and Fluor working as a process engineering intern and process design intern. While having earned many awards and scholarships, Nguyen is most proud of recently being named a Tau Beta Pi Stabile Scholar. She is an avid piano player and member of LSU Club Tennis. Nguyen plans to pursue a career as a process engineer and earn her M.B.A. and Professional Engineering license. Advisor: Harry Toups, Chemical Engineering.
Jennifer Pizzitola earned a BS in Biological Engineering. She has worked at the LSU Aquaculture Research Station and also at Disneyland's Animal Kingdom teaching guests the importance of animals in captivity and the wild. Pizzitola assisted in writing an important proposal that was funded by LSU's Department of Agriculture. She has also volunteered her time with St. Michael's School for the Special, Relay for Life and Louisiana Special Olympics. Advisor: Marybeth Lima, Biological Engineering.
Jack Tourres graduated from LSU with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, a minor in Math, and a minor in Aerospace Engineering. Tourres has been on the Dean's and Chancellor's Honor Rolls and earned a Mechanical Engineering Alumni Scholarship. He has worked as a wind tunnel repair assistant for LSU's Mechanical Engineering Department as well as a molecular/biological research student aide. Tourres also enjoys sports and brain teasers and has successfully run a half-marathon. Advisor: Jack Helms, Mechanical Engineering.
Ryan Zimmerman graduated from LSU with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Business Administration. Zimmerman has gained experience as a summer intern working for FMC Technologies and Minerals Management Services. He is the current president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and worked as a counselor for the Encounter Engineering Camp. He is an avid soccer player and plans on learning to play the guitar and restoring automobiles in the coming years. Zimmerman plans to become a certified Professional Engineer and hopes to open his own engineering consultant firm. Advisor: Dimitris Nikitopoulos, Mechanical Engineering.
- 30 -
Article excerpted from LSU media release by Billy Gomila, LSU Media Relations
225-578-3867. Additional engineering information added by Crystal Jackson, College of Engineering Public Relations Graduate Assistant, 225-578-5706, mlavall@lsu.edu
