Cassidy Yates ‘20, an environmental engineering student, was recently awarded the 2019 Mueller Continuing Education Scholarship from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) in their Broad International Competition. The scholarship, awarded to those seeking an initial undergraduate degree in the field of water treatment, is for $5,000.
Yates’ interest in sustainability and water treatment grew through her studies at UNH and an internship following her sophomore year with Aquarion Water Company in Connecticut. The Bristol, Connecticut, native says she is thankful for her academic department’s dedication to students.
“After just my first environmental engineering lecture with professor Jim Malley, I was eager to learn more and began shadowing industry professionals,” says Yates. “I started with a tour of my hometown drinking water treatment plant and continued to shadow and intern within private water companies and engineering firms. All of these experiences have confirmed my interest in the field and led me to where I am today.”
She now plans to pursue a career in water and wastewater treatment design.
Yates is also a zero-waste intern with UNH’s Sustainability Institute and a member of the Society of Women Engineers and Environmental Water Resource Institute. She has studied abroad and presented at the Undergraduate Research Conference.
Malley, a professor of civil and environmental engineering, says Yates has displayed a clear dedication to the important, emerging field of sustainable engineering
“Cassidy shows a drive, confidence and maturity beyond her years,” says Malley. “She brings a can-do attitude to her activities inside UNH and out and is a leader and role model for K-12 girls interested in STEM careers.”
Yates says she is happy to be recognized by an industry and manufacturer that share her values: “They also value the environment and health and safety, aligning with my interest in sustainability.”
Yates will receive her award in June at the AWWA’s Water Industry Luncheon in Denver, Colorado.
