Avital Breverman, a pre-junior civil engineering student, has been awarded the Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program, established by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to support undergraduate and graduate students obtaining degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This scholarship program offers academic scholarships to students who have excelled in STEM fields, as well as an opportunity for these students to continue their careers in DoD civil service positions after graduation.
In addition to full tuition and education fees, Breverman will receive a stipend as well as allowances for health insurance and supplies; access to mentoring activities; the opportunity for her co-op to be supported under this program; and employment placement after graduation.
Under this SMART program, Breverman’s third and final co-op, starting March 2017, will be with the Geotechnical Engineering Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Philadelphia District, where she will also work for two years post-graduation as a civilian engineer. The USACE Philadelphia District maintains and designs Army and Air Force facilities, performs coastal restoration in New Jersey and Delaware, and manages the Delaware River. Breverman sees this scholarship as an ideal opportunity to enhance her engineering education, to position herself to pursue a master’s degree in civil engineering, and to obtain her P.E. license.
Breverman, originally from East Brunswick, New Jersey, has always loved science and math, which ultimately led her to pursue her undergraduate degree in engineering. Family vacations to national parks sparked her interest in geotechnical engineering and geology. Both of Breverman’s previous co-op positions have been with geotechnical engineering firms. Her first co-op was with Earth Engineering Inc. (EEI) in East Norriton, PA, where she supervised subsurface explorations, authored geotechnical reports of findings, and modeled retaining wall designs. Breverman is currently at her second co-op with the Geotechnical Engineering Group of Langan Engineering & Environmental Services in Philadelphia. At Langan, Avital works with senior engineers to develop recommendations for foundation designs and creates site plans for subsurface explorations. She is a member of Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering Honor Society, and Chi Epsilon, the Civil Engineering Honor Society, as well as a member of the American Society for Civil Engineers Geo-Institute. She has tutored for the Drexel Academic Center for Engineers (ACE), is currently the Treasurer of Drexel’s Club Sports Executive Board, and President of the Track Club.
Congratulations to Avital on this fantastic achievement!