The PEP Science and Technology Scholarship fund was established for employees of PEP member companies and their dependents. The fund allows PEP to invest in and support educational opportunities in the engineering and environmental sciences to expose students to critical issues involving the Gulf Coast.
Read more about past recipients of this scholarship below.
Ethan Engert is an aspiring conservationist with a lifelong passion for protecting wildlife and ecosystems. Growing up on the Gulf Coast, he witnessed rapid habitat loss, which fueled his commitment to natural resource conservation. Ethan is pursuing this field to restore degraded habitats, bring land into conservation, and inspire greater public connection to the environment. Known for being friendly, collaborative, and hands-on, he quickly grasps complex ecological systems and enjoys sharing his knowledge. Beyond conservation, Ethan’s interests include art, hiking, and travel. Ethan’s father is Ryan Engert, an employee of Evonik.
Read more about Ethan.
Kadence “Kali” Johnston is a dedicated scholar graduating early with honors from the University of South Alabama in the field of Environmental Sciences and Sustainability with a focus on environmental law. Kali is passionate about the intersection of environmental policy and social justice. As a National Academy Gulf Scholar, Kali researched how policy can protect fragile Gulf Coast ecosystems while supporting coastal communities. Through leadership roles with Green Jags, Alpha Gamma Delta, and campus sustainability initiatives, Kali has combined service and advocacy to address environmental inequality. With plans to pursue law school, Kali aspires to become an environmental lawyer who advances equitable protections and uplifts communities most impacted by environmental harm. Kali’s father is Kenneth Johnston, a safety professional at G. A. West.
Read more about Kali.
Colleen Luttrell is a full-time undergraduate Wildlife, Fisheries, & Aquaculture student at Mississippi State University. She is an Honors College Student and President’s Scholarship with a 3.9 GPA. Colleen says she is interested in environmental conservation with a special concern for the animals affected by habitat destruction and loss. Colleen’s father is Melton Luttrell, an employee of High-Purity Silicon America Corporation.
Read more about Colleen.
Zachary Burkett is a full-time undergraduate Civil Engineering student at the University of South Alabama. He is currently a sophomore on the President’s List with a 4.0 GPA. After completing his degree, he aspires to design and construct systems that mitigate plastic waste, fostering a cleaner and more ethical society. Zachary’s father is David Burkett, an employee of Outokumpu Stainless.
Read more about Zachary.
Blakley is employed at Performance Contractors as the Environmental Health and Safety Administrative Assistant. She is a second-year graduate student at Auburn University majoring in Engineering Management with a focus on Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. After completing her studies at Auburn, she plans to attend Tulane University to take courses to prepare for the Industrial Hygienist Certification Exam.
Read more about Blakley.
Riley is currently a junior at Southern Methodist University. She is double majoring in Engineering Management Sciences and Chemistry. Based on her studies, Riley has found that as the field of biotechnology grows, science has moved from a qualitative field to a quantitative field. Riley hopes to take what she has learned to solve many of our modern-day environmental issues such as pollution after she graduates.
Read more about Riley.
Patrick is currently a senior geology student at the University of Southern Mississippi and has been accepted into the geology program at the University of Louisiana Lafayette for the upcoming fall semester (2019). After Patrick earns his MS in geology from ULL, he plans to work with a petroleum company or environmental firm to assess the subsurface – anything from exploring undiscovered petroleum systems to monitoring flooding patterns and creating environmental maps for the public’s overall safety.
Patrick says that the most influential factor that led to him becoming a geologist was his love for the outdoors. Growing up in Mobile, Alabama, it was always easy for Patrick to find something to do outside. Patrick wants to become a geologist to gain a better and deeper understanding of Earth and take that understanding and apply it to critical issues.
Read more about Patrick.