Lehigh University Engineering Graduate Student Receives Scholarship from Thornton Tomasetti Foundation

The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation has presented a $5,000 scholarship to Jose Hernandez, a graduate student enrolled in the Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering program at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa.

The mission of the Thornton Tomasetti Foundation is to fund fellowships, scholarships and internships for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies in building engineering, design or technology, as well as providing financial support for individuals and organizations pursuing philanthropic activities in those fields. Since its inception in 2008, the foundation has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships, grants and project support. 

Key Points:

• Jose Hernandez was chosen for the scholarship because of his academic excellence, outstanding work ethic and strong desire for a career in structural engineering.

• A Northridge, Calif. native, Mr. Hernandez has had a passion for understanding earthquakes since the age of nine, after witnessing the 1994 Northridge earthquake.  He looks forward to studying the effects of earthquakes on buildings and the ways that structural design can minimize damage.

• During his undergraduate career, Mr. Hernandez was accepted into a collaborative research program between Lehigh University, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and California State University, Northridge, that allowed him to participate in the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NEES REU). 

• Mr. Hernandez holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he was president of the Structural Engineers Association of Cal Poly Pomona (SEACPP) and where he was accepted into the Civil Engineering and College of Engineering honor societies.

Executive Quotes

Jennifer H. Gross, P.E., a professor of practice and director of M. Eng in Structural Engineering Program, Lehigh University

“Jose is a most impressive student and it is a pleasure to have him in the program. He is a tremendously driven individual who has overcome many obstacles to get to where he is today. Lehigh University is extremely grateful to the Thornton Tomasetti Foundation for their continued support of our future engineers.”

Dan Cuoco, P.E., secretary, Thornton Tomasetti Foundation

“The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation is delighted to offer Mr. Hernandez this scholarship to pursue his dreams of becoming an engineer. His enthusiasm for building design and structures made him a natural choice for this scholarship. We are pleased to help students meet their educational goals as they work towards their life path.” 

Supporting Materials

The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation

http://www.thorntontomasettifoundation.org/ 

Lehigh University Master of Engineering Program

http://www.lehigh.edu/~incee/structural/structuralMEng.html

About The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation

The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation, a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization established in February 2008, has two primary missions including funding fellowships, scholarships and internships for undergraduate students, and those planning to pursue graduate studies in building engineering, design or technology and providing financial support for individuals and organizations pursuing philanthropic activities related to building engineering, design or technology. Key elements of the program are college scholarships, traveling internships, and grants to, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations.