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TEF Scholarship Recipients
2025 TEF Scholarship Recipients     

Thank you to everyone who applied for this year's Texas Engineering Foundation (TEF) scholarship opportunities and congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients listed below! Please visit our scholarships page to learn more and fill out our interest form to be notified once next year's applications go live.

Jose Marquez - Jimmy H. Smith, Ph.D, P.E. Graduate Scholarship Recipient

Hello! I am Jose Marquez, a PhD student in Materials and Structures at the University of Texas at Arlington’s Center for Advanced Construction Materials (CACM). I graduated from UTA with my Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering in 2023 and chose to continue my academic journey here, having lived my entire life in nearby Grand Prairie.

My research focuses on sustainable cementitious materials and innovative solutions for improving concrete durability and structural performance. I aspire to contribute to more resilient and sustainable infrastructure through both research and industry collaboration.

Outside of academics, I enjoy playing guitar, running, learning foreign languages, reading, and volunteering with local STEM outreach programs to inspire future engineers.

Valerie Bedoya - ATSPE Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient

Valerie Bedoya is a student at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.

Nathan Deolloz - TEF Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient

I am a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to studying for my B.S. degree, I am also taking graduate-level courses in Feedback Systems and Controls as part of Cockrell School of Engineering's integrated Masters program. I am very interested in working in either the Medical Robotics or Aerospace fields as a Controls Engineer after graduation.

In my free time, I really enjoy riding and working on bikes and reading.

Betul Kaya - TEF Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient

Betul Kaya is a sophomore at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Robotics, graduating in May 2027 with a focus on Integrated Circuits and Systems. Through her participation in the NASA L'SPACE NPWEE and Mission Concept Academics, she has grown interested in space exploration and contributed to spacecraft power systems and AI-driven data analysis projects. She has also researched lunar dust mitigation through the HERE Program and worked on bioimaging projects using RELION software.

Betul plans to attend graduate school and join the TY Delft exchange program in Spring 2026. She is the Communication Officer for Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering (WECE) at The University of Texas at Austin. Betul also likes solving jigsaw puzzles, screenwriting, gardening, and traveling in her free time.

Surina Kishinchandani - ATSPE Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient

Surina Kishinchandani is a student at Rice University pursuing degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science.

Emerie McCann - ATSPE Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient

Emerie McCann, a Houston native, is a student at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Business. She is passionate about sustainability, environmental justice, and bridging the gap between engineering solutions and community needs. Growing up in an underserved community, Emerie witnessed firsthand the environmental challenges that disproportionately affect marginalized populations, such as poor air and water quality, urban heat islands, and inadequate access to green spaces. These experiences shaped her desire to develop innovative solutions that promote both environmental and social equity.  Emerie aspires to establish a woman-led environmental engineering firm that focuses on sustainability initiatives, air and water quality improvements, and urban heat reduction in vulnerable communities. She envisions creating not only technological advancements but also community-driven programs that educate and empower residents to take control of their environmental health.

Beyond academics, Emerie is actively involved in mentorship and volunteerism, including literacy programs for children and initiatives to support the homeless. She is committed to inspiring young women, particularly those of color, to pursue STEM careers and break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. In her spare time, she enjoys vacationing with family and friends, exploring new cultures, and embracing opportunities to learn and grow.

David Pate - TEF Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient

Kristopher "David" Pate is a Mechanical Engineering honors student at the University of Texas at Austin with a strong interest in thermal-fluid systems and their applications in aerospace and defense. Outside of academics, he enjoys backpacking, fishing, playing guitar, and studying civics. David also spends his time mentoring international students and hanging out with his younger brothers.