Adedolapo Ogungbire, a civil engineering Ph.D. student and research assistant at the ZeRo lab, has been honored with the Tau Beta Pi Graduate Fellowship for the 2024-25 academic year. This prestigious fellowship highlights outstanding engineering students for their academic excellence, leadership and dedication to the engineering profession.

"I'm truly honored to be selected as a recipient of the Tau Beta Pi Graduate Fellowship," Ogungbire said. The $10,000 fellowship will significantly support his ongoing research and professional growth. Ogungbire noted, "A substantial portion of the fellowship funds will be used to acquire essential resources for advancing my studies. Additionally, the fellowship will support travel grants, allowing me to attend key research conferences to gain new insights and share my work within the academic community."

Established in 1928, the Tau Beta Pi Fellowship program recognizes and supports distinguished members who aim to pursue graduate education that advances the engineering field. The fellowship is awarded based on scholarship, leadership, service and the potential for substantial achievement. Ogungbire's research, under the mentorship of Dr. Suman Mitra, explores the intersection of machine learning and transportation systems, focusing on enhancing safety, equity and sustainability. His project addresses critical needs in developing smarter, more equitable transportation solutions.

Mitra remarked, "Receiving this fellowship highlights Ogungbire's exceptional academic achievements and his dedication to advancing transportation engineering. I am extremely proud of his accomplishments. His work has the potential to make significant contributions to the field and improve the lives of many by making transportation systems more efficient and accessible."

As Ogungbire's career progresses, he intends to draw inspiration from this honor. "Just as the Tau Beta Pi Graduate Fellowship is a product of the dedication and foresight of past engineers who were once students themselves, I feel a deep responsibility to pass on the kindness," he stated. "Firstly, I envision actively mentoring future generations of engineers. Secondly, sharing my findings through publications, presentations at conferences and open-source contributions. Finally, I believe that engineers have a responsibility to address broader societal issues. The fellowship will equip me with the skills and knowledge to potentially use my expertise for advocacy in areas like sustainability."

For more information about Ogungbire and his work, please visit ZeRo Lab.

About Tau Beta Pi: Founded in 1885, Tau Beta Pi is the oldest engineering honor society in the United States, recognizing engineering students of superior scholarship and exemplary character. The society aims to foster a spirit of liberal culture in engineering colleges and to honor those who have distinguished themselves by their scholarship and exemplary character as undergraduates in engineering, or by their achievements as alumni in the field of engineering. The University of Arkansas chapter was created in 1914.

About the Department of Civil Engineering: Established in 1897, the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Arkansas is 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 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 our website.