2026 Diversity in SE Scholarship Recipients

Aayush Shrestha is a graduate student pursuing his Master’s degree in Structural Engineering at Washington State University. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Having lived through extremely catastrophic earthquakes and experienced the terror caused by failing structures, Aayush is deeply motivated to become a proficient structural engineer—one who designs structures that fulfill dreams and protect lives. Inspired by buildings that stand as proudly as the mighty Himalayas, he aspires to design structures that are safe, sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and resilient against natural hazards. Aayush is currently a Graduate Research Assistant at WSU, where he is working on improving the seismic performance of rocking Cross‑Laminated Timber (CLT) shear walls, contributing to advancements in sustainable and resilient structural systems. He is an active member of ASCE/SEI and EERI. 

I am a first-generation college student at UCLA, majoring in Environmental Engineering, fueled by a commitment to improving underserved communities through sustainable infrastructure. Growing up in a multigenerational, low-income household shaped my work ethic and taught me the value of perseverance and education. I have balanced academics with leadership roles in organizations such as Engineers Without Borders, athletics, and part-time work since the age of fourteen. Through community initiatives, including organizing donation drives and environmental efforts, I have developed a strong sense of responsibility to give back. My experiences have not only prepared me for the rigor of engineering but have also grounded my purpose: to use my education to create equitable and resilient solutions for communities like my own.

I am a sophomore civil engineering student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. I am actively involved in ASCE, Associated General Contractors, and Women’s Club Volleyball. I enjoy dedicating my time to outreach efforts that encourage more women to pursue careers in civil engineering, including speaking at high schools and volunteering at Women in STEM events. This summer, I am looking forward to my internship with Benesch, where I will be working under a structural engineer on bridge design projects. 

My name is Gavin Santiago. I am an upcoming senior pursuing a B.S. in civil engineering at Lehigh University. I am passionate about structural engineering because I can turn creative ideas into safe and practical designs. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, sewing, and reading. 

Xavier Vintimilla is a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Born and raised in Ecuador, he earned his bachelor’s at the University of Cuenca. He later received a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue his Master of Science in Civil Engineering at UIUC, and is now transitioning to a PhD, where he aims to advance his expertise in computational modeling and seismic stability. Xavier is an active member of the engineering community, holding memberships in Tau Beta Pi and Chi Epsilon, and will serve as Vice President of the SEAOI student chapter in the upcoming year.  

I am a civil engineering student at Virginia Tech pursuing a concentration in structural engineering. As a first-generation college student from a low-income immigrant background, my experiences have shaped how I view infrastructure, not just as technical systems, but as a form of protection for communities. Growing up between underserved areas in the United States and my mother’s hometown in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, I saw firsthand how the quality of structures impacts safety, mobility, and opportunity. These experiences drive my goal to design infrastructure that serves and protects underserved communities.

My journey as a structural engineer began with a childhood curiosity about how skyscrapers are built, fueled by a love for math and science. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, I am completing my Master’s at George Washington University, with a focus on the design and analysis of structures. Being the first structural engineer in my family is an exciting milestone, and I am proud of the resilience I’ve shown in reaching this point. I am determined to obtain my PE and SE licenses to be part of teams that design resilient infrastructure and inspect existing structures. As I approach graduation, I am truly grateful for this scholarship as it supports my transition into professional practice.

Elijah Carns is currently studying at Northwestern University pursuing his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, graduating in June of 2027. During his studies, he took an interest in structures, especially with regards to transportation infrastructure, and hopes to specialize in this throughout his career. He is an active member in his ASCE chapter and participates in Northwestern’s surveying team. As an LGBTQ+ and trans engineering student, he hopes to foster inclusivity and opportunities for other students like him in structural engineering, a field without many LGBTQ+ or trans role models. He works tirelessly to advocate for queer and trans students at his university as the treasurer and/or president in multiple organizations with this purpose. Receiving the SE3 Diversity in Structural Engineering Scholarship allows him to spend more time not only on his studies, but also working towards a more equitable future. He receives no support from his family anymore, so this scholarship takes the burden of trying to afford Northwestern off of him.

I am a senior civil engineering student at Virginia Tech pursuing an accelerated Master’s in Structural Engineering and Materials. My passion for structural engineering developed through my involvement with the Student Steel Bridge Design Team, where I currently serve as Design Lead. Beyond the classroom, I actively seek opportunities to deepen my understanding through undergraduate research, including work on AISC design examples, research on automating finite element analysis for structural connection design, and optimization studies of prestressed concrete bulb-tee (PCBT) girder sections. As a first-generation Salvadoran student, I am driven to innovate within the field of structural engineering while giving back to my community through mentorship, which has played a significant role in my own journey. 

Hi, my name is Esteva Jacob Perez, and I am a Senior at Cal Poly State University, specializing in structural engineering. I am blessed to be completing a 4-year degree in 3 years, passing the FE exam, and am excited about my acceptance into the MS 4+1 ARCE program at Cal Poly. Although this journey presented me with many life shocks, including my mother’s advanced cancer diagnosis, it’s a blessing to remain on this path and to be doing well. I am interested in continued education in sustainable steel and concrete design. My long-term goal is to obtain my SE license and to work for a firm designing resilient structures that withstand natural disasters. Receiving this scholarship from SEAONC Diversity in SE Scholarship is a huge honor and a God-sent gift that will enable me to pursue specialized coursework and research in my Master’s studies. The scholarship will not only alleviate some financial pressure but also bring me one step closer to becoming a leader in the field.