Source: Steve Seiler, sseiler7@k-state.edu
Hometown connection: Buhler and Hutchinson
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Commitment to leadership, learning earns engineering student Culbertson Steel Ring scholarship
MANHATTAN -- A Kansas State University senior in biological and agricultural engineering is being honored for her leadership in student organizations and activities.
Chelsea Corkins, Hutchinson, is the recipient of the 2012 W. Leroy Culbertson Steel Ring Leadership Scholarship, which is awarded annually to an engineering student at the university who carries out Culbertson's legacy of leadership and learning. Recipients also must be graduating in the following year. Culbertson was a noted engineering alumnus of K-State.
Corkins will receive the honor at a College of Engineering banquet Thursday, April 26.
Corkins, who plans to graduate in May 2013, is in the concurrent bachelor's/master's program in biological and agricultural engineering with an environmental option. She is also pursuing a secondary major in natural resources and environmental sciences and a minor in leadership studies.
Her many activities include Mortar Board, the national senior honor society, where she will serve as graduate adviser for the 2012-2013 school year. She has been an officer with Tau Beta Pi, a national engineering honors society, and with Smurthwaite Scholarship House and Engineers Without Borders – spending winter break with the organization reengineering water systems in Yakuny, Ecuador.
Since her sophomore year Corkins has been a research assistant to Stacy Hutchinson, associate professor of biological and agricultural engineering, conducting environmental studies at Fort Riley, Konza Prairie Biological Station and for an Olathe transportation project. She also has also worked in the university's Women in Engineering and Science Program office, serving as a mentor for young women at educational camps.
In addition, Corkins has enjoyed traveling abroad for multiple service projects, international leadership conferences and a semester of study at Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic.
Corkins is the daughter of Jim and Cynthia Corkins, Hutchinson, and a graduate of Buhler High School.
The W. Leroy Culbertson Steel Ring Leadership Scholarship was permanently endowed in 1985 by Wanda Culbertson and additional donations from Steel Ring Engineering Honor Society alumni. Scholarship recipients are selected by the Steel Ring Scholarship Committee.
