Students Rachel Dubuque and Gregory Burtt of UVM's College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (CEMS) are co-winners of the Student Engineer of the Year Award. They will be recognized by Governor Jim Douglas for their achievements during a 2008 UVM Engineers Week ceremony to be held Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 10 am at the State House.

Criteria for this award include academic accomplishments, positive attitude, exceeding expectations, engaging in tasks beyond requirements, and community service. Both Rachel and Gregory will receive certificates of recognition. Two other UVM students, Jeremy E. Matt and Thomas J. Kidd, were also nominated.

Rachel Dubuque

Rachel Dubuque, a senior engineering management student with a focus in mechanical engineering, has maintained a high GPA and completed two summer internships, one at General Dynamics and one at IBM. She published and presented an article entitled, "Chip Package Interaction for 65nm CMOS Technology with C4 Interconnections," at the 2007 IEEE International Interconnect Technology Conference. Rachel is active in her community, visiting nursing homes and volunteering at her church, and also works as Assistant Supervisor for Essex Cinemas.

Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's teacher, served as a role model for Rachel. Rachel wrote in her UVM essay, "She inspired me to be a better person because she set standards high but within reach. She taught me to strive for my goals and not to give up because there is an obstacle in my path. She showed the world that with a little patience and effort even the impossible can be accomplished."

Rachel was recognized in 2005 by UVM President Dan Fogel for her contributions to National Tutoring Week. Her nomination for this award was made by Dr. Larry Shirland from the School of Business Administration.

Gregory Burtt

Gregory Burtt, a mechanical engineering student, has the highest GPA for his senior class. His research on multiscale modeling of sap flow uses the most advanced techniques of computational physics and complex systems, and is a positive contribution to the maple syrup industry. Gregory will join the accelerated MS program in 2008 and is a member of Tau Beta Pi.

"In never-ending curiosity, I look to find my part in improving Maple Glen Farm, to keep the farm's heritage, leave the beauty God gave this land, and apply my degree in mechanical engineering to efficiently work with the land," wrote Gregory in his UVM essay. He has been successful in combining his passion for basketball and soccer with volunteer work with seniors, Green-Up Day, and other community events.

Gregory was nominated by Dr. Yves Dubief from the UVM School of Engineering.

National Engineers Week

February 17-23, 2008 is National Engineers Week, bringing recognition to more than 75 professional societies, major corporations and government agencies dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers among young students, and by promoting pre-college literacy in math and science.

Engineers Week also raises public understanding and appreciation of engineers' contributions to society. Founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers, it is among the oldest of America's professional outreach efforts. Co-chairs for 2008 are IBM and the Chinese Institute of Engineers-USA.