Doctoral student lands international ACI Baker Student Fellowship

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
May 6, 2015

Ash Kotwal, a doctoral student in the Materials Science, Engineering and Commercialization program at Texas State University, has been awarded one of 10 international Baker Student Fellowships from the American Concrete Institute.

Kotwal's fellowship will support the completion of his doctoral dissertation research into developing a sustainable product line of cements for the concrete industry. Capitol Aggregates, a Central Texas cement manufacturer, is also funding the study. In conjunction with his study, Kotwal has also received an invitation to join the prestigious American Society for Testing and Materials’ Emerging Professional Program.

John Schemmel, a professor in the department of engineering technology, and Tom Myers, a professor in the Materials Science, Engineering and Commercialization program, supported Kotwal's research efforts as his dissertation advisors.

ACI Foundation Fellowships are based on an international competition to high-potential undergraduate and graduate students who are studying engineering, construction management or other related fields of study in the area of concrete. ACI awarded 10 fellowships for 2015-16. Those students receiving fellowships also receive paid travel and registration to two ACI Conventions, assignment to an industry mentor and a summer internship. The ACI Foundation Scholarship Council is responsible for collecting and distributing funds for the ACI Foundation's Fellowship and Scholarship Programs.