Luke Villermin, a Louisiana Tech University senior mechanical engineering student from New Iberia, Louisiana, has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship from the engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi for his senior year in 2016-2017 academic year. Tau Beta Pi Scholarships are awarded to junior members on a competitive basis of scholarship, leadership and service, and promise of future contributions to the engineering profession.  Along with a strong academic record, Villermin has also held a number of leadership roles and has conducted research in the Caldorera-Moore Biomedical and Nanosystems Lab at Louisiana Tech for three years. Villermin has been a leader and an exemplary student within the College of Engineering and Science, serving as president of the Engineering and Science Association and treasurer of Tau Beta Pi, as well as participating in the American Society of Civil Engineers Concrete Canoe team, apprenticing with the University Grand Challenge Scholars program and performing research. “Luke is one of the brightest and most industrious undergraduate researchers I’ve had the privilege to mentor.  His enthusiasm, attitude, leadership, and diligent work ethic make him stand out as an undergraduate student and researcher,” said Luke’s research advisor, Dr. Mary Caldorera-Moore, assistant professor of biomedical engineering. “Luke has not only excelled academically but is also very active in research,” Dr. Heath Tims, associate dean of undergraduate studies at the College of Engineering and Science and advisor for the university chapter of the Tau Beta Pi society said. “Luke is an excellent choice for the scholarship.” Villermin says that he is grateful for the scholarship and for the support he’s received from Louisiana Tech and the College of Engineering and Science. “Since my first day on campus, Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science has equipped me with all of the support that I need to be a nationally competitive applicant for this scholarship,” Villermin said. “Approachable faculty, on-campus research, and ample opportunities for college involvement and leadership experiences have all made my acceptance of this award possible.” Tau Beta Pi is the world’s largest engineering society.  Membership represents the highest honor to be obtained by an engineering student and is awarded on the basis of high scholarship and exemplary character. “It is always great to have one of the best engineering honor societies recognize the achievements of our outstanding students,” Tims said. Written by Brandy McKnight – mcknight@latech.edu