Civil Engineering Ph.D. Student Awarded Prestigious WTS Helene M. Overly Memorial Scholarship

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Left to right: Heidi Thummel, WTS KC Chapter Board of Directors; Arna Nishita Nithila, U of A civil engineering Ph.D. student

The Department of Civil Engineering in the College of Engineering is proud to announce that Arna Nishita Nithila, a dedicated and accomplished Ph.D. student, has been honored with the esteemed WTS Helene M. Overly Memorial Scholarship from the Kansas Chapter. This prestigious award recognizes Nithila's exceptional academic achievements, her commitment to advancing the field of transportation engineering and her efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the engineering community.

"It is an incredible honor and a humbling experience to be selected as a recipient," Nithila said. "I am deeply grateful for the invaluable mentorship that guided me to this achievement."

The WTS Helene M. Overly Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually by WTS International (formerly known as Women's Transportation Science), an organization dedicated to building the future of transportation through the global advancement of women. Named in memory of Helene M. Overly, the first executive secretary of WTS, the scholarship celebrates women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence and a passion for making significant contributions to transportation.

"As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, I see my education and experiences as a platform to inspire and empower other women to pursue careers in transportation. By sharing my journey, advocating for diversity and inclusion, and serving as a mentor or role model, I aim to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse workforce," Nithila said.

Nithila has distinguished herself as a researcher and student within the U of A's Civil Engineering Department. Her academic career began at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, but all her graduate work has taken place here at the U of A. She is a graduate research assistant under the supervision of Suman Mitra, assistant professor in the Civil Engineering Department. Nithila's research focuses on older adults' transportation mobility and their access to transportation options, reflecting a core belief in equitable transportation access for all individuals.

"I am very excited to know that Arna has received this prestigious award, which is very well deserved. Arna is a hardworking and talented graduate student whose Ph.D. work will have a positive impact on improving transportation for older adults. Her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in engineering further enhances her contributions to the field," Mitra said.

Receiving the WTS Helene M. Overly Memorial Scholarship is a testament to Nithila's hard work, dedication and potential to make a lasting impact in the field of transportation engineering.

"Personally, receiving this scholarship means recognition of my potential and a vote of confidence in my abilities," Nithila said. "It serves as a reminder of the enormous support and encouragement I've received from my adviser Dr. Mitra, my husband, family members and lab mates along my academic journey, and that motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my academic and professional endeavors."

This scholarship will support her continued research and professional development, enabling her to pursue her goal of transforming transportation systems to be more efficient, sustainable and inclusive.

For more information about the WTS Helene M. Overly Memorial Scholarship and the WTS, please visit their website, www.wtsinternational.org.

About the Department of Civil Engineering: The Civil Engineering Department at the University of Arkansas, established in 1897, is a leading institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and innovative research. Accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for successful careers in civil engineering. With a focus on hands-on learning, cutting-edge research, and industry partnerships, our faculty and students tackle critical societal challenges in areas such as sustainable infrastructure, transportation, structural, environmental engineering, and water resources. Dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, the department equips graduates with the skills and professional network necessary to excel and make significant contributions to the field. For more information, visit civil-engineering.uark.edu.