Pi Tau Sigma recognizes student service and achievements.
Peter Mnev received the 2021 Pi Tau Sigma Memorial Award.
He is a dual major in mechanical engineering and computer science, and served as the Pi Tau Sigma president.
The Pi Tau Sigma Memorial Award is presented to the senior of Mechanical Engineering who has made the most outstanding contributions to the university. This award is bestowed annually to the most qualified candidate.
What does winning this award mean to you?
I am grateful to receive this award in recognition of my contribution to the Pi Tau Sigma chapter this year. It highlights the ability of the chapter as a whole to continue to provide fun and useful events in spite of the pandemic.
What is your favorite moment in Mechanical Engineering?
Definitely working on the Clark School Alumni Cup in 2020. It was a really fun time and it also marked the first time Pi Tau Sigma got seriously involved with the alumni cup, starting a trend that I hope continues in the future.
What are your future goals or aspirations?
I will be continuing my education with a masters in robotics, in hopes of joining the robotics industry to do research and development.
Carolyn Payne received the 2021 Pi Tau Sigma Service Award.
She is in the inaugural class of Clark Scholars at the University of Maryland, through which she participated in the National Academy of Engineers Grand Challenges Scholars Program. She serves as president of UMD’s chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and is also pursuing a minor in Sustainability.
The Pi Tau Sigma Outstanding Service Award is presented to a student for outstanding service and contributions to the chapter. This award is bestowed annually to the most qualified candidate.
What does winning this award mean to you?
I am honored to be receiving this reward, as it is recognition from my peers for the work that I have done for the mechanical engineering student body this semester. I love being involved with Pi Tau Sigma and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and I am glad that people appreciate the events that I have helped to organize!
What is your favorite moment in Mechanical Engineering?
My favorite MechE moment is the Alumni Cup! It is fun to work with other engineers all week and then compete across majors. I was so proud of our team this year for placing 2nd, even though the competition being virtual was an added challenge.
What are your future goals or aspirations?
After graduation, I hope to enter the renewable energy industry and possibly work on wind turbine design.
Pi Tau Sigma is the International Mechanical Engineering Honor Society. Learn more about Pi Tau Sigma at Maryland: http://ptstaumu.umd.edu/
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