Claudio Calderon, a graduate student in MSU’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has received the 2013 Exemplary Summer Research Citation. The award is given annually by the National Center for Institutional Diversity and Institute for Social Research.
Calderon was honored for his work in MSU’s Summer Research Opportunities Program. His summer project investigated how oil behaves as it is dispersed in water. His research may have practical applications for containing oil spills.
Calderon called the award a boost in his educational endeavors. “I apply what I learned in the program to my graduate school work every day,” he said. “It’s great to know people appreciate what you do.”
Volodymyr Tarabara, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering and Calderon’s mentor during the SROP program last summer, said Calderon left a strong impression on those he worked with in the College of Engineering. “I was very pleased with Claudio’s work on the project and was impressed by his work ethic and focus,” Tarabara said.
In addition to his research efforts, Calderon received the award for his academic record and aspirations for graduate study. He plans to enter an environmental engineering Ph.D. program after completing his master’s degree.
As the recipient of an Exemplary Summer Research Citation, Calderon is included in NCID’s National Diversity Scholars Network. His name, undergraduate institution, host campus, and the abstract of his SROP research project will appear on NCID’s website, along with a brief biography.