University Park, Pa. -- Sean Knecht, a Penn State senior originally from Orwigsburg, Pa., received the 2004 W. LaMarr Kopp International Achievement Award for Undergraduate Students at the University's annual Student Awards Ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 25, at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel.
This annual award recognizes undergraduate students who significantly contribute to the advancement of the University's international mission. It is named for the retired deputy vice president for international programs. The award's designation of achievement includes, but is not limited to, the display of excellence in an academic course of study and/or research with a significant international component; leadership in improving relations among people from different regions of the world; participation in international programs and/or field projects; and service to the international community.
During the summer of 2003, Knecht, a senior in aerospace engineering at Penn State University Park, participated in an international internship at the Deutschen Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR), which is the German equivalent of NASA. There, he was involved in a collaborative research program involving Penn State, the United States Air Force and the DLR, which focused on the modeling of propellant injection in liquid rocket engines. Knecht worked side-by-side with scientists and engineers from many nations. The research in which Knecht was engaged would have been challenging even for a graduate student working with expressly English speakers, so the fact that he successfully took on this project as an undergraduate while facing the challenges of adjusting to a new country, new customs and new language is particularly remarkable.
Michael M. Micci, professor of aerospace engineering at University Park, oversaw Knecht's work at the DLR and says he was impressed with Knecht's ability to conduct independent research and with how much he was able to accomplish over the summer. Micci adds, "My colleagues at the DLR ⦠were very pleased with Sean's hard work and intellectual ability and that they would be happy to have him return in the future."
Knecht is also a College of Engineering Co-Op Envoy/Ambassador, and as part of this voluntary responsibility actively promotes his international co-op experience to prospective students. Knecht "conveys a high level of enthusiasm and energy when he speaks to large groups of student and their parents about his experiences, and has encouraged many students to pursue an international education experience," shares Kristine Lalley, international program adviser/instructor for the College of Engineering.
In addition to keeping busy with his international co-op experiences, Knecht has also participated as a co-op researcher at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Kencht spent the spring 2003 semester at the AFRL conducting research on laser-powered rocket propulsion.
His excellence academic standing has secured him membership many honor societies, includeing Sigma Gamma Tau (national aerospace engineering honor society). He was awarded the "Most Innovative Product" at Penn State's fall 2002 Engineering Design Showcase, and he is also the recipient of USAA National collegiate Engineering Award. In addition, he is an active member of many student organizations and serves as a peer mediator. He has already presented his research at international conferences -- an exceptional accomplishment for an undergraduate student.
Knecht "represents the type of undergraduate student who is eager to pursue unusual and exciting opportunities, and does so to prepare to be part of the global economy," says Lalley. "He is keenly aware of the benefits of engaging in international experiences to develop into a world-class engineer."