Krueger Selected as 2016-2017 Phillip Merrill Presidential Scholar

Department of Mechanical Engineering senior Christina Krueger has been named a Phillip Merrill Presidential Scholar. The University of Maryland (UMD) program honors seniors from various departments across campus, and the university faculty and K-12 teachers who have contributed to their success.

Krueger is one of 19 UMD students selected for their accomplishments this year. The Philip Merrill Program aims to build a community of scholars who understand and celebrate the importance of teaching and guiding the next generation. As part of the program’s emphasis on mentorship, it awards a scholarship in honor of each named K-12 teacher to a new first year student from the teacher’s high school or school district.

In her nomination, Krueger named Mr. Kevin George from Glenelg High School in Glenelg, Md. and Department of Mechanical Engineering Assistant Professor Ryan Sochol as key mentors in her educational journey. Of Sochol, Kreuger wrote “Since the moment I began working with him, he has gone out of his way to support me and advance my career as a student and researcher… Even with his overflowing schedule, he makes himself available when I need guidance about research, school or life.”

Assistant Professor Ryan Sochol (left) and senior Phillip Merrill scholar Christina Krueger in UMD's Bioinspired Advanced Manufacturing (BAM) Lab

After graduation this spring, Krueger wants to enter the workforce where she can narrow down her interests in the engineering field, before going on to graduate school to further her studies.

The program will host a workshop for the K-12 teacher-mentors on Friday, November 18, 2016. Following the workshop, there will be a luncheon to honor these successful students and their mentors.

Published November 9, 2016