Louisiana Tech University doctoral student Ashton Ward has been awarded the 2024 Louisiana Engineering Foundation (LEF) Vincent A. Forte Graduate Fellowship Award for his contributions to engineering education.
LEF awards this fellowship, named after its first president and founding member Vincent A. Forte, to engineering graduate students who plan to teach at the university level.
Ward earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Louisiana Tech University and a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Arkansas. She worked as an electrical design engineer at ENERCON for 5 years and then returned to the tech industry for her doctoral studies.
Ward currently teaches a first- and second-year “Living with the Lab” course and is exploring project-based education under the guidance of her mentor and advisor, Dr. Crystal Crews. She also joined the College of Women in Science and Engineering at Louisiana Tech University to assist with the Introducing New Skills and Skills through Immersive and Reassuring Experiences (INSPIRE) workshops, providing feedback and support to female engineering and science freshmen. Did.
Dr. Crews said, “It was a privilege to work with Ashton and witness her unwavering dedication to engineering education. Her passion for bridging academia and industry and her commitment to mentorship and community. Her commitment to engagement truly sets her apart. Ashton's drive and enthusiasm have made her an outstanding student and a pioneer in the future of engineering education.”
“It was an honor to receive the Vincent A. Forte Graduate Fellowship this year,” Ward said. “This is not only financial support for my PhD, but recognition of my dedication to engineering education. Mr. Forte's daughter contacted me and told me how proud her father was of me. He told me.
“Engineering holds a special place in my heart,” she continued. “When I attended college, it taught me that I could achieve things I never thought possible. And after college, I was able to pursue a stable and rewarding career that supported my family. He offered it to me.”
She officially received the award at the LES Honors and Awards Presentation in Baton Rouge.
This story was written by MBA student Daniel Young.
