Dual Degree Engineering Student Receives Prestigious Sensus ReachSM Scholarship

Senior dual degree engineering student Shanzila Chowdhury is one of two students to be awarded the 2018 Sensus ReachSM Scholarship. The scholarship, which was established in 2016, is a merit- and need-based award given annually to two promising students who are majoring in electrical and/or computer engineering. Sensus Reach Scholars receive a one-year stipend to cover tuition and fees.

“I am honored to be awarded this scholarship,” said Chowdhury. “This award not only gives me a sense of accomplishment but also shows that all my hard work and dedication paid off in the long run. I am thankful to all my faculty mentors who have enriched my experience and believed in my abilities. Without their continuous support and encouragement this achievement wouldn’t be possible.”

A native of Bangladesh, Chowdhury plans to work as an electrical engineer in the area of power systems with an ultimate goal of working with clean and sustainable energy. She wants to be seen as someone with great expertise in the renewable energy field, especially energy efficient and sustainable systems.

“Being from a developing country, it was financially challenging for me when I enrolled in the dual degree engineering program,” said Chowdhury. “Being awarded the scholarship removed a financial burden. Moreover, this scholarship award will only push me further towards my engineering degree and my dreams of one day having a successful career as an electrical engineer.”

The Sensus Reach SM Scholarship was established by Raleigh-based technology leader Sensus, who made a $100,000 donation to North Carolina State University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering to support scholarships. Rising juniors and seniors who reside in Wake, Chatham, Harnett, Johnston, Nash, Franklin, Granville, Durham, and Orange counties are eligible to apply.

“Out of all the upperclassmen in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at N.C. State University, Shanzila was one of two selected candidates for this scholarship,” said Sasha Ormond, assistant professor of chemistry and director of the dual degree engineering program. “She certainly deserves this scholarship for her work ethic and her accomplishments in the program.”

Meredith’s Dual Degree Engineering Program is a partnership between Meredith College and North Carolina State University. The program allows students to complete two degrees in five years. Graduates earn a degree in chemistry or mathematics from Meredith and an engineering degree from N.C. State.