Siemens Scholarship winners announced

The Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) and Siemens have awarded the fall 2012 Siemens Energy Scholarships to three undergraduates and one graduate student in the William States Lee College of Engineering.

The prestigious $15,000 undergraduate scholarships were presented to electrical engineering major Walter Bomela and mechanical engineering majors Brendon Almond and Stephen O’Brien. The $30,000 graduate scholarship went to Jason Anderson, a doctoral student in electrical engineering.

Siemens recently hosted a luncheon for the scholarship winners. Joined by a number of Siemens engineers, the students were able to discuss energy technology and issues with the industry professionals. They also got to take a tour of the Siemens turbine manufacturing plant.

The scholarships are funded by a portion of a $4.3 million gift Siemens made to EPIC in January 2011. The gift also is providing laboratory equipment for energy research and advanced machinery for large-scale parts manufacturing, as well as supporting a visiting scholars program.

“Siemens Energy is committed to supporting the energy education efforts at UNC Charlotte,” said Mark Pringle, vice president for Siemens Energy’s Charlotte generator and turbine manufacturing operation. “Higher education is vital to the future success of the energy industry. These students will be the leaders of tomorrow, and we’re honored to be able to assist them in getting their education.”

Photo: Johan Enslin, EPIC director, with scholarship recipients Jason Anderson, Walter Bomela, Mark Pringle, Brendon Almond and Stephen O’Brien.