The NFPA Education and Technology Foundation has awarded 20 $2,000 scholarships to students pursuing fluid power related fields of study. One of the winners, Athena Shier, is attending the University of South Carolina. We asked Athena a few questions about winning the scholarship.What does winning a Fluid Power Scholarship mean to you?
The Fluid Power Scholarship is especially appreciated this year. For health and other reasons, I entered university without higher math and science, which added about a year to my program. Then, in my sophomore year, I got covid, and recovery was long, which slowed me down a little more. However, I’ve kept my grades high and had some good work experiences. I know that with the help of this scholarship, I’ll finish strong. I hope I’ll also get an internship this year with an NFPA member company. Please watch for my resume!
Why did you choose to learn about fluid power? What are your career aspirations? What type of fluid power job do you hope to get after you graduate?
I am currently studying fluid power. I want to design things that move efficiently, so fluid power is an essential tool. I am seeking internships and co-ops in electric vehicles, clean power generation, or robotics. Last summer I interned for ABB E-Mobility, designing a lift for fleet charging stations. E-mobility will be an important element in slowing climate change. I will continue learning about clean power in May 2024, when I take a course in Germany to learn how an economy can move from fossil fuels to renewable / sustainable energy.
I love technology, especially robotics and design. I am passionate about creating climate change solutions. I am interested to see how engineering solutions can support greater career access for women, the disabled, and other disadvantaged people. Some lucrative, dangerous jobs are not available to women and people with disabilities; consequently, the unemployment rate among the disabled is extremely high. Devices using or produced by fluid power can help close the employment gap for women and the disabled. Fluid power will play a key role in another critical need that is rapidly approaching: peak population. Reputable sources forecast that within my lifetime, the planet’s population will peak and then decline rapidly, impacting the workforce. When this happens, efficient movement will be essential for maintaining a basic quality of life in the US and around the world. Fluid power is a key to maintaining a healthy planet and quality of life for all.
I am service and outcome-oriented: a respected leader, an innovative problem-solver, a valued team-member, and a caring mentor. I am president of the Garnet Firsters robotics club at my university, and also a member of Pi Tau Sigma, ASME, ASHRAE, SME, and SAE. I mentor the 4-H Garnet Squadron FIRST Robotics team, which consistently places near the top of its league. Since my early teens, I have volunteered and served my community. With the Columbia People’s Program, I feed the homeless 45 weeks / year. The robotics team I mentor also does community outreach to bring robotics to children and the public. One example is iMAGINE Greenville, which promotes STEM careers to secondary school students.
A minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0, 500-word essay, and letter of recommendation were required from each applicant. The NFPA Foundation’s goal is to help graduating high school students, and individuals enrolled in community colleges, technical schools and universities pursue their academic interests in fluid power.
One way NFPA members can get involved with scholarship programs is to volunteer as a judge to serve on the application review committee. This year 27 judges from 19 NFPA member companies reviewed 122 eligible student applications to the Fluid Power Scholarship program. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Haley Nemeth at hnemeth@nfpa.com.