Fairfield University's School of Engineering student, Nwachukwu Ibekwe ’22, is the recipient of two prestigious The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) scholarships—ASME Foundation Variable Scholarship and ASME Nuclear Engineering Division Scholarship.

“It feels great to win the scholarship. It also gives me a sense of belonging in my field, as they have deemed me worthy of pursuing my mechanical engineering degree,” said Ibekwe.

The ASME Nuclear Engineering Division Scholarship is awarded up to three ASME student members annually who “demonstrate a particular interest in Nuclear Engineering as defined by the NED as the design, analysis, development, testing, operation and maintenance of reactor systems and components, nuclear fusion, heat transport, nuclear fuels technology and radioactive waste.” Recipients are selected on a basis of scholastic ability, character, integrity, leadership, financial need, and potential contribution to the nuclear engineering profession.

ASME’s Foundation Variable Scholarship is selected on scholastic ability and potential future contribution to the mechanical engineering field.

On Ibekwe's many achievements, Professor Shahrokh Etemad, PhD, chair of Mechanical Engineering said, "Nwachukwu being in our honors program, successfully obtained the Engineering Design SolidWorks Certified certificate. Last year, he worked on research projects with Dr. Sundarram while maintaining high academic performance. He successfully participated in the Society of Automotive, SAE, Mini Baja off road vehicle competition representing Fairfield University. Nwachukwu was also a Class Senator for the Student Association during this period. He is a good role model for our students and we are proud of his accomplishments."

In addition to being a part of ASME, Ibekwe is also a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers Baja Buggy club, serves as a resident assistant and is working on a research project with Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Sriharsha Srinivas Sundarram, PhD.