The Kenneth Johnsen Graduate Student of the Month Awards recognize outstanding students who excel academically and are examples for the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The awards are named for Kenneth Johnsen, a former graduate student in the department who was called the quintessential grad student. He was smart, respectful, adventurous, hard-working, funny, easy-to-get-along-with, scholarly and had a passion for learning. While pursuing his graduate studies, Ken was diagnosed with cancer and eventually succumbed to his illness. This award was established to honor his memory.
Faculty members are encouraged to nominate students who embody the qualities Ken exemplified so well. Once a student is chosen, the student is recognized in the department and at the Graduate Engineering Annual Recruiting and Research Symposium banquet in March where they are presented a certificate and a small scholarship.
