Harrison and Kochanek named Andrew Carnegie Scholars
Staff writer
Oct 3, 2023
CEE proudly announces that seniors Hikari Harrison (BXA) and Sophie Kochanek (EnvE/EPP) have been honored as Andrew Carnegie Scholars for their exceptional academic achievements, volunteerism, leadership, and university activities. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to exceptional undergraduate seniors at Carnegie Mellon University.
Hikari Harrison: Bridging Theater and Civil Engineering
Hikari Harrison, a remarkable student with a unique blend of theater and civil engineering interests, has demonstrated exceptional dedication to her studies and the university community. As a BXA student, she seamlessly combines her passions for structural engineering and theater.
Harrison’s notable accomplishments have been her leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. Her dedication to these important causes was evident during her tenure as the Director of Public Relations for the Japanese Student Association. Under her guidance, the association's visibility and influence grew significantly, culminating in a first-place win for their booth team at the Spring Carnival.
Furthermore, Harrison was a key member of the victorious team in the inaugural Civil Engineering Hackathon held last fall. The team's project addressed the pressing issue of food insecurity, showcasing her commitment to using her engineering skills for the betterment of society.
Harrison’s contributions to the university extend beyond her academic and extracurricular achievements. She has also been a valuable student worker at TechSpark, serving the university in various capacities.
Sophie Kochanek: A Scholarly Approach to Environmental Engineering
Sophie Kochanek, an Environmental Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy double major, stands out as a dedicated scholar and researcher. Her remarkable accomplishments underscore her commitment to academic excellence during her time at Carnegie Mellon.
Kochanek's research experience led her to author and present a paper at the AHFE International Conference in 2022, showcasing her ability to contribute to cutting-edge research in her field.
One of Kochanek's standout qualities is her ability to make complex concepts accessible to others. As a Supplemental Instruction Leader and Virtual Peer Advisor, she has helped her peers grasp challenging subjects and navigate their academic journeys more effectively.
Andrew Carnegie Scholars: Representing Excellence
Since its establishment in 1975, the Andrew Carnegie Scholars program has celebrated the achievements of nearly 1,000 outstanding students. The program reflects Carnegie Mellon's enduring commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, leadership, and community engagement among its students.
Hikari Harrison and Sophie Kochanek exemplify the very essence of what it means to be an Andrew Carnegie Scholar. Their dedication to their studies, leadership in campus activities, and commitment to positively impacting their community serve as an inspiration to all. Carnegie Mellon University can take immense pride in the accomplishments of these two exceptional scholars, and we can only look forward to the contributions they will make in their future endeavors, both at the university and beyond.