Civil Engineering Student Receives National Scholarship from American Society of Civil Engineers

The University of Cincinnati has more than 600 different student organizations. Each organization is unique, offering its members opportunities to meet people, network and grow professionally. Sometimes, involvement in student organizations can also lead to scholarship opportunities.

Nichole Criner (civil engineering ’21) recently received the Y.C. Yang Civil Engineering Scholarship, an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) national award established to foster interest in structural engineering and to encourage students to further their civil engineering education. The award is presented to no more than two undergraduate civil engineering students each year.

“I love everything about our student chapter of ASCE, and I am more than honored to receive this award,” Criner said.

Criner first heard about ASCE over UC’s welcome weekend and wasted no time getting involved. By spring semester of her first year, she was already assisting UC’s balsa wood bridge team for the annual Ohio Valley Student Conference. Entering her sophomore year, she served as treasurer for the ASCE chapter, and most recently, as the volunteer coordinator for Dream Big, a UC and ASCE co-sponsored event to inspire over 400 elementary and middle school students to enter the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. 

As public relations and special events chair for UC’s ASCE student chapter this coming school year, Criner will assist with the ASCE coordination for Construction Connections, a networking event that allows current UC students to interact with construction and design companies.

“My favorite part of ASCE is the opportunity it provides students to learn more about the civil engineering field and the options we have as professionals after graduation,” Criner said.

Criner originally came to UC because of its reputable co-op program, along with the diverse international travel opportunities. She already has traveled to France through a global technical workforce class and soon will travel to Germany though UC’s International Co-op Program.

As Criner enters her third year at UC, she will continue to take advantage of UC’s many opportunities while growing professionally through ASCE.