The Terracon Foundation has selected Michael Deschenes and Matthew Watters, civil engineering graduate students, to receive these fellowships for the 2017-18 academic year. As part of their award, Deschenes and Watters will receive $3,750 to support their graduate education.

Terracon established a corporate philanthropy initiative, the Terracon Foundation, in 2008. The Foundation supports graduate-level scholarships, fellowships and similar programs in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Terracon Foundation has granted over $1.3 million to over 200 organizations since its inception.

Deschenes is pursuing a master's degree, and he is conducting research with Clinton Wood on the seismic demand for bridges in Northeast Arkansas and characteristics of sub-surfaces in New Zealand.

Watters is pursuing a master's degree, working under Michelle Bernhardt, investigating the use of 3D printed material for geotechnical laboratory testing applications. Upon graduation, Watters plans to find a job with a geotechnical consulting firm in New York City.  Until then, he will continue research using the 3D printed materials in particular, investigating the effect of shape parameters on the dilatation of soils regarding soil strength.

"We are extremely excited for these students to be receiving fellowships," said Hale, "Michael and Matthew have worked very hard to earn it. It's great to see our students getting this recognition."